So I am in the process of moving... I'm all set to drop a 'guap' (translation: lot of money) on a nice new apartment (over 1000 sq. ft., which is heaven to me, as I've lived in a 1 BR garden apt. for 6 years now) overlooking the lake. Modern appliances, great neighborhood. Underground parking -- whoo hoo!!! Just what I need in snowy-behind Chicago. Dishwasher. 2 BR, 2 bathroom (never mind that I don't need 2 bathrooms)...
So I'm on my way to put down the security deposit and sign the lease, but I haven't felt comfortable about this decision. Something's just not quite right... So I turn my car around and drive around aimlessly.
Through God's providence, and the prayers of the saints, I end up looking at a much cheaper ($400/month less) apt, still 2 BRs, but much smaller space, older apt., old appliances, there goes my stainless steel kitchen sink! But I believe this is how God's leading. The other apt. was what my flesh wanted, and what the devil and 'self' said I deserved, but not what I'm seeking anymore right now. Doesn't make sense to pay all that money just 'cuz I have it, esp. when I could save for a house and used car. Biggest thing, though, is that I can't disrupt my little one's life that much. Already her bus ride to school is 45-60 mins. each way. Moving to Oakland-Kenwood would add at least 30 mins. each way to her route, perhaps more in the p.m. due to rush hour. So I gave up wrestling and made the decision I know God wants of me...
It's amazing how peace comes when you mortify the flesh and just stop fighting and obey God.
So this week I'll move, to an apt. less than 5 mins. from my current one, w. 1 extra bedroom, but everything else pretty much the same. I am thankful, though, for God's guidance. I appreciate His work on my conscience, taking away my peace until I did what was best.
That's why He's God...
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Faves
Favorite Bible teachers: Allistair Begg, Ravi Zacharias, Michael Youssef, Tony Evans, Crawford Loritz, Arthur Jackson
Favorite musical artists: Shachah, Ambassador, Lecrae, Trip Lee, 116 Clique
Favorite musical artists: Shachah, Ambassador, Lecrae, Trip Lee, 116 Clique
Monday, November 10, 2008
What Difference Does A Black President Make?
Here's a clue:
As talk is happening over key positions in the White House, like Attorney General and White House Counsel, for the first time I'm hearing of TONS of qualified Black and female candidates. Names like Deval Patrick, Eric Holder, Mark Alexander, and Janet Napolitano are being passed around, along with some white potentials. But here's the thing: This is the FIRST time people of color and women are in the first round of candidates, rather than an afterthought to satisfy a special interest group. That's pretty phenomenal to me, and it shows why it's important to have a Black person in the White House. And with the exception of one person, I've never even heard of these qualified African-Americans and women! Go figure! Based on the actions of our former Presidents, you would have thought that there are no competent candidates of color and few qualified women out there for top White House spots! Humph!!!
As talk is happening over key positions in the White House, like Attorney General and White House Counsel, for the first time I'm hearing of TONS of qualified Black and female candidates. Names like Deval Patrick, Eric Holder, Mark Alexander, and Janet Napolitano are being passed around, along with some white potentials. But here's the thing: This is the FIRST time people of color and women are in the first round of candidates, rather than an afterthought to satisfy a special interest group. That's pretty phenomenal to me, and it shows why it's important to have a Black person in the White House. And with the exception of one person, I've never even heard of these qualified African-Americans and women! Go figure! Based on the actions of our former Presidents, you would have thought that there are no competent candidates of color and few qualified women out there for top White House spots! Humph!!!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day
Boy, am I excited!!! I'm sitting here waiting for my 6:30am babysitter to come so I can go vote before heading off to work. I am watching CNN and seeing tons of folks - BLACK folks - standing on line in Philadelphia and St. Louis and Richmond waiting to vote. Man, I am so proud of my people!!!
To say this is an historical moment in our country is an understatement. I hate to say it, but for many folks, this is the first time they've felt their vote had even a chance of mattering (is 'mattering' a word?).
Gotta go -- the doorbell's ringing!
To say this is an historical moment in our country is an understatement. I hate to say it, but for many folks, this is the first time they've felt their vote had even a chance of mattering (is 'mattering' a word?).
Gotta go -- the doorbell's ringing!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Woman to Woman: The Problem with Palin
Okay, so I'm catching up on this week's Vice Presidential debates even as we speak. And, no, I'm not a fan of Palin. Never mind that her lack of legislative experience makes Republicans look like major hypocrites for criticizing the Junior Statesman's short term in Congress. Never mind that some of her practices as mayor of a very small town and as governor smack of the corruption and ethical improprieties for which politicians are known. Never mind a lotta things.
What bugs me is that Palin's obvious incompetence (did you see the Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric interviews) threatens to set woman back in the public eye. I'm a working mom, so you'll never catch me questioning whether we as women can 'have it all'. And I'm a fairly conservative Christian (with independent leanings at times), so you won't catch me ridiculing her beliefs on such controversial matters as abortion. But if, Palin, you're going to get out there and run for the second highest office in the nation, please be ready for it. Otherwise, sit on down. Rather than embarrass women everywhere by trying to pass off charisma and flash for substance, just know your limitations and sit on down.
I pray to God the Republicans don't take it this go around, because Palin is a joke, and the little respect I had for McCain is gone. Why? Because, with the one major decision he's had to make since running for President, he's shown an incredible lack of judgment that takes away any confidence I'd have in him.
On the other hand, Obama, with all of his 'inexperience', has, in the one major choice he's made since running, shown an incredible amount of wisdom. Much like Abraham Lincoln (who, by the way, went into the Presidency with so much inexperience that no one thought he'd have a chance, especially against his politically-seasoned rivals), Obama has managed to see past previous disagreements with Biden to choose someone who complements him well. Mark of a great leader.
BTW, Team of Rivals is a great (albeit long) book detailing Lincoln's journey to the White House, and then his remarkable ability to build a strong cabinet, comprised of his rivals for the Executive Office. Worth checkin' out.
What bugs me is that Palin's obvious incompetence (did you see the Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric interviews) threatens to set woman back in the public eye. I'm a working mom, so you'll never catch me questioning whether we as women can 'have it all'. And I'm a fairly conservative Christian (with independent leanings at times), so you won't catch me ridiculing her beliefs on such controversial matters as abortion. But if, Palin, you're going to get out there and run for the second highest office in the nation, please be ready for it. Otherwise, sit on down. Rather than embarrass women everywhere by trying to pass off charisma and flash for substance, just know your limitations and sit on down.
I pray to God the Republicans don't take it this go around, because Palin is a joke, and the little respect I had for McCain is gone. Why? Because, with the one major decision he's had to make since running for President, he's shown an incredible lack of judgment that takes away any confidence I'd have in him.
On the other hand, Obama, with all of his 'inexperience', has, in the one major choice he's made since running, shown an incredible amount of wisdom. Much like Abraham Lincoln (who, by the way, went into the Presidency with so much inexperience that no one thought he'd have a chance, especially against his politically-seasoned rivals), Obama has managed to see past previous disagreements with Biden to choose someone who complements him well. Mark of a great leader.
BTW, Team of Rivals is a great (albeit long) book detailing Lincoln's journey to the White House, and then his remarkable ability to build a strong cabinet, comprised of his rivals for the Executive Office. Worth checkin' out.
They Got O.J.
Okay, so they finally got O.J. on something. Guilty on all charges. I'm interested in seeing what the sentencing will be. Can't say I'm mad at the jury, and I must admit that I was happy to see O.J. convicted. Yes, I felt he was guilty of the double homicide 13 years ago. But more importantly for this case, I feel he was guilty of the charges lodged against him. In this case there was more evidence (audiotapes and witnesses), though I do wonder why people had audiotapes present, and I am disappointed at hearing the Las Vegas policemen's comments that clearly mean they judged O.J. by his past - didn't make their decisions based solely on the present. Either way, I feel like the hands of justice move slowly, but in this case, they were on time.
Monday, September 29, 2008
I'm Related to Diddy
We belong to the same family. Watching "I Want to Work for Diddy" for a while now, I've realized that P. Diddy and I share some of the same characteristics; we share a similar work ethic or approach to what we do.
It's called workaholism, and I'm not particularly proud of it. In fact, I'm trying to change it a bit. But that still doesn't negate the fact that when it comes to work, Diddy and I are beyond first cousins -- we're brother and sister.
Don't believe me? Just check out some of his famous sayings -- "Diddy-isms":
1) Either go hard or go home. (Ew, I love this...)
2) Make it happen. (a.k.a. "Make a way out of no way.")
3) "Life is not a game. Only the fittest and most aggressive will survive. Sleep is forbidden. A second cannot be wasted. Once seconds are lost, you lose. And losing is for losers."
Another case in point: Diddy's metaphors for life, like his comparing life to hustling (not the negative side, of hustling someone out of something, but the positive side, of hustling harder or working harder and striving harder to get to a certain goal), or his comparing his career to climbing a mountain (an on-going journey).
What about people's characterizations of Diddy: He 'throws a million things at us at once,' and 'he wants things how he wants them'.
Or, how about Diddy's own description of himself: I 'start my day...flying at the speed of light.' And, 'some people say I have a very strong or intimidating energy...Well, that energy is "I play to win," and the people who are full of it are scared of me.'
Don't get me wrong; Diddy and I don't share everything in common. He's far more optimistic and materialistic, and I have problems with his insistence that he's spiritual yet his clearly carnal music and music production and lifestyle. Not to mention I have absolutely no fashion sense, and Diddy is a fashion guru. But when it comes to the work ethic and the mindset about success, the drive and the blunt honesty, and the lack of tolerance for a disease he calls by a name I can't say, I swear, Diddy's my 'brother by a different mother.'
It's called workaholism, and I'm not particularly proud of it. In fact, I'm trying to change it a bit. But that still doesn't negate the fact that when it comes to work, Diddy and I are beyond first cousins -- we're brother and sister.
Don't believe me? Just check out some of his famous sayings -- "Diddy-isms":
1) Either go hard or go home. (Ew, I love this...)
2) Make it happen. (a.k.a. "Make a way out of no way.")
3) "Life is not a game. Only the fittest and most aggressive will survive. Sleep is forbidden. A second cannot be wasted. Once seconds are lost, you lose. And losing is for losers."
Another case in point: Diddy's metaphors for life, like his comparing life to hustling (not the negative side, of hustling someone out of something, but the positive side, of hustling harder or working harder and striving harder to get to a certain goal), or his comparing his career to climbing a mountain (an on-going journey).
What about people's characterizations of Diddy: He 'throws a million things at us at once,' and 'he wants things how he wants them'.
Or, how about Diddy's own description of himself: I 'start my day...flying at the speed of light.' And, 'some people say I have a very strong or intimidating energy...Well, that energy is "I play to win," and the people who are full of it are scared of me.'
Don't get me wrong; Diddy and I don't share everything in common. He's far more optimistic and materialistic, and I have problems with his insistence that he's spiritual yet his clearly carnal music and music production and lifestyle. Not to mention I have absolutely no fashion sense, and Diddy is a fashion guru. But when it comes to the work ethic and the mindset about success, the drive and the blunt honesty, and the lack of tolerance for a disease he calls by a name I can't say, I swear, Diddy's my 'brother by a different mother.'
Saturday, September 27, 2008
"Lakeview Terrace"
Last night I went to see the new Samuel Jackson and Kerry Washington movie, "Lakeview Terrace". It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. It was "Training Day" meets "Twelve Angry Men" meets "Crash". As always, Samuel Jackson's performance was on point, but the rest of the actors and actresses didn't stand out. The most intriguing thing about the movie, outside of Jackson's acting, was the courage of the storyline to explore the race theme.
Sorry to be the spoiler, but the movie's about a Black cop whose late wife cheated on him with her white boss (you find this out near the movie's end, but the formulaic plot makes it obvious from the first minute of the film). So, his grudge against interracial couples leads him to make the lives of his neighbors (a white man married to a Black woman) a living hell. Michael Keaton's "Pacific Heights" performance was much more thrilling and believable, but Jackson's character (Abel Turner) combines wit and cynicism with the psychopath mentality. What was disappointing was the mixture of religious fundamentalism in Jackson's character - not necessary, from my view.
But back to the theme of race. The best part of the movie, to me, was the portrayal of the difficulties that this interracial couple faces due to America's poor legacy of race relations. We're used to seeing TV and film portray white bigots, but this movie turns racism on its head and makes the Black lead character the one who's racist. Yeah, I know the old line that Blacks can't be racist because we don't have power (we can be prejudiced, though, since prejudice is an attitude); I just don't buy that bullcrap. And the scenes where the white husband is tired and frustrated at dealing with the mistreatment he receives because he's in an interracial marriage, and the Black wife tells him he has no idea -- no clue -- of how exasperating it is to deal with racism -- now those scenes are priceless. As are the innuendoes that some whites' adoption of "Black" mores might be rooted in an identity crisis of their own or a desire to experiment with the 'exotic', and the double standard Black women face when they date white men -- the stigma they encounter that isn't there when Black men date and marry white women.
Though "Lakeview Terrace" lacks the suspenseful depth and believability of, say, a "Pacific Heights", or the well-written script of a "Crash", it does have the courage to unearth some of the issues that come with race relations in America. I just hope movie-goers are up for the "courageous conversations about race" this movie sets the stage for.
Sorry to be the spoiler, but the movie's about a Black cop whose late wife cheated on him with her white boss (you find this out near the movie's end, but the formulaic plot makes it obvious from the first minute of the film). So, his grudge against interracial couples leads him to make the lives of his neighbors (a white man married to a Black woman) a living hell. Michael Keaton's "Pacific Heights" performance was much more thrilling and believable, but Jackson's character (Abel Turner) combines wit and cynicism with the psychopath mentality. What was disappointing was the mixture of religious fundamentalism in Jackson's character - not necessary, from my view.
But back to the theme of race. The best part of the movie, to me, was the portrayal of the difficulties that this interracial couple faces due to America's poor legacy of race relations. We're used to seeing TV and film portray white bigots, but this movie turns racism on its head and makes the Black lead character the one who's racist. Yeah, I know the old line that Blacks can't be racist because we don't have power (we can be prejudiced, though, since prejudice is an attitude); I just don't buy that bullcrap. And the scenes where the white husband is tired and frustrated at dealing with the mistreatment he receives because he's in an interracial marriage, and the Black wife tells him he has no idea -- no clue -- of how exasperating it is to deal with racism -- now those scenes are priceless. As are the innuendoes that some whites' adoption of "Black" mores might be rooted in an identity crisis of their own or a desire to experiment with the 'exotic', and the double standard Black women face when they date white men -- the stigma they encounter that isn't there when Black men date and marry white women.
Though "Lakeview Terrace" lacks the suspenseful depth and believability of, say, a "Pacific Heights", or the well-written script of a "Crash", it does have the courage to unearth some of the issues that come with race relations in America. I just hope movie-goers are up for the "courageous conversations about race" this movie sets the stage for.
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