10 Questions For Sarah Palin!

As a tax paying American, there are some questions I need answers to. You see the pundits are not allowed to question Sarah because they are sexist" but I am not. I saw how they attack Charlie Gibson. The pundits say Charlie was too tough and hard on you PLEASE! So I came up with some question that only you can answer. Now Sarah raise your right hand and promise to tell the "truth." No finger cross behind your back! You no our God don't like lying. All liars will be cast into outer darkness. Now blog family if you have any questions for Ms. Sarah please leave them in the comment sections.

1. Sarah just suppose your 14-year-old daughter is brutally raped in her bedroom by an intruder. She becomes pregnant and wants an abortion. Would you forced her to have her rapists' babies?
2.  You say you don't believe global warming is man-made. Could you tell us what scientists you've spoken with or read who have led you to that conclusion? What do you think the 2,500 scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are getting wrong?
3. Again why did you try to fire Wasilla librarian? I read that it was over the Harry Potters Books.
4.  What is the European Union, and how does it function? Please tell!
5.  Forty-seven million Americans lack health insurance. John Goodman, who has advised McCain on healthcare, has proposed redefining them as covered because, he says, anyone can get care at an ER. Do you agree with him? and be billed for it later.
6.  What is the function of the Federal Reserve? For get Freddie and Fannie.
7.  Cindy and John McCain say you have experience in foreign affairs because Alaska is next to Russia. When did you last speak with Prime Minister Putin, and what did you talk about? Please Tell!
8.  Approximately how old is the earth? Five thousand years? 10,000? 5 billion?
9.  You are a big fan of President Bush, so why didn't you mention him even once in your convention speech? Give honor were honor is due.
10.  McCain says cutting earmarks and waste will make up for revenues lost by making the tax cuts permanent. Experts say that won't wash. Balancing the Bush tax cuts plus new ones proposed by McCain would most likely mean cutting Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security. Which would you cut?

High Heels For Babies!

How about novelty shoes for infants? Sexy animal prints with spike heels. Thirty-five bucks a pair. Celebrity-endorsed. Take a glance at the website it reveals a link to an article describing the crib shoes (wait, crib shoes? Why does a bedridden infant need shoes?) as “made from soft, flexible fabrics with a collapsible heel and are not intended for walking. Man, what is wrong with people? Why would you buy High Heels for a baby? Jesus Take The Wheel!

Palin The Con-Artist!

This is my personal take on Charles Gibson of ABC World News interview with Sarah Palin. She is a con- artist and a fake. In her first interview without being John McCain shadow, she's not ready. As I watched this interview, I came to the definite conclusion that this con-artist was coached on how to answer certain questions. The one thing that is very clear is that she cannot answer questions simply with a yes or no ( She got to beat around the bush). She is extremely inexperienced for the Vice-President position. The only experience she has is shooting animals from a low flying plane. If Palin/McCain is elected, we will definitely have another four years of Bush/Cheney. Think about it this way, don't all con-men/con-woman talk a good game? No doubt about it, the girl got game. It's a good thing that the focus has shifted from Obama to these 2 Mavericks. They are being expose for the fakes that they are.

Teaching Creation In Our Schools.

What do you think about having only Creation taught in our schools? What about Evolution? What about both Creation and Evolution together? Confusing? Yeah it is. I don't think either one should be taught and here's my reason, every tax paying citizen don't believe in the same idea. That's the reason religion and politics shouldn't mix. If only the people that supported a certain belief were being tax for that belief that's different. Since every person is being tax the same weather you believe in creation or evolution my solution just don't teach either. Let our churches and homes be the teaching ground for that. Don't get it twisted I believe in Creation and have never entertain that Big Bang Theory. Some things we can avoid getting in a huff about. Faith is believing in The God who can do anything. (Check this out) Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever” (Psalm 104:5). It’s that simple. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6). “For he spake, and it was done; he commanded and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:9). If you have ever wondered how this world came into being, the Bible simplifies matters so that everyone can understand. God is the Creator of this universe. It’s that simple. Many people have a difficult time accepting the simple fact of God’s unlimited creative power and would rather accept the ideas of evolutionists. Is this because God’s method sounds too simplistic? Or is it that they mistakenly believe that only modern science can produce the real answer to the existence of the earth? In 2 Peter 3:3-6 the Bible informs us of a time when ideas contrary to that of God as Creator would become commonplace in our society. This text warns us that many will forget that it was God who created this earth and all that is in it, and would scoff at people who believe in God as the Creator. Therefore, we need not be surprised by the growth in evolutionary ideals. The Bible predicted it. The picture up above is proof of God handy work. NO BIG BANG!!

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Is A ............

Elisabeth Hasselbeck of ABC's The View flew to Minneapolis to emcee a luncheon in a tribute to Cindy McCain. She previously had hosted both Michelle Obama, the wife of Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama and Cindy McCain wife of Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain. I was not shocked at what that little twit said at the podium because she has always came off as a little snotty witch: Clip! “Unlike the wife of another political candidate( i.e. Michelle Obama) who shall remain nameless, Cindy McCain didn’t come [to cohost The View] with a list of topics we weren’t allowed to touch.”I was outraged when I saw the video. Ms. Hasselback's tone was arrogant, self-righteous and condescending. Utlimately she not only made herself look bad but also the honoree. Cindy McCain must have been very embarrassed by that type unprofessional behavior, the catty comments as well as the deliberate dig at Michelle Obama. Why didn't Hasselbeck use Cindy McCain's View stint to grill her on the Keating Five scandal, Cindy's history of drug addiction and the illegally written prescriptions( a felony) she used to obtain those drugs. Hasselbeck never asked about any of those things, and I am positive that Cindy never expected her to. I feel like the little twit should be fired. I see why Rosie want to put a foot to her. Ms. Hasselbeck violated not only Michelle Obama's privacy, but also the privacy of every future guest on The View. ABC and Barbara Walters should fire that little twit as soon as possible. You don't invite folks to your house and then talk about them behind their back.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Miss Sarah Says"You Are Two Big".

I've seen some suggestion that Miss Sarah first gaffe as a candidate for national office came in her first public appearance, when she claimed to have opposed the infamous Bridge to Nowhere. But that's not really a gaffe, so much as it's a big lie. Speaking before voters in Colorado Springs, Miss Sarah claimed that lending giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had "gotten too big and too expensive to the taxpayers. Hey! Sarah they aren't taxpayer funded but operates as private companies. Miss Sarah after the takeover it may result in a taxpayer bailout during reorganization. Miss Sarah you know who every gets in office next most likely this will be one of the key economic issues they are likely to face. Miss Sarah you don't know who Freddie and Fannie is? These are huge institutions and they are central to our country's mortgage, and Miss Sarah did't have a clue. Miss. Sarah how could it be "too expensive to tax payers" when it was privately own before the take over? Miss Sarah you have not been briefed enough. I am a voter who's questioning your readiness for national office, screwing up on housing policy in the midst of a foreclosure crisis is scary.

The Imitation Of Life The Movie.

The movie Imitation of Life, the one starting Lana Turner is playing in my area today . I prefer this version rather than the early one. To me the movie was more about Lana Turner’s live-in black maid, Annie Johnson (Juanita Moore) and her light-skinned daughter, Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner). Throughout the picture, Sarah Jane breaks her mother’s heart again and again by “passing for white” and denying her relationship to her mother. It’s pretty heartbreaking to watch, although that story keeps getting derailed by the Turner/showbiz narrative. I always felt sorry for Sarah Jane in a way. Especially when the white boy beat her after finding out she was black and not white.

After watching it today I wonder why the director would us race in this story after all it was a 1950s audience. For what reason would he us a woman losing her daughter over skin color and tie it into Sandra Dee’s crush on her mother’s friend. Maybe he was trying to show how shallow white people can be and black folks too. The Technicolor visuals were sharp and clear also. The women s’ fashions in the movie was OK. After watchin it again really the acting is more like soap-opera level, and overly dramatic. But I will give the director credit for grabing every scene for its emotional payoff. But what finally got to me was those darn white horses during the funeral procession. When Mahalia Jackson started singing "Soon will be done with the trouble of this world." Too see Sarah Jane running behind that hearse calling her mother. I had to think about my own mother who's gone on to glory. That made me sad.

Write Your Own Obituary!

How many people write their own obituary? I believe we are writing our own, every day by the life we live. Weather it be good are bad we will be remember for something. Have you ever went to a funeral were the speaker was searching for something good to say about the person? Therefore, the speaker may say something that is not true so, in your heart you are saying that's not the person I knew. You no what? never let someone else write your obituary. And its nothing wrong with writing it daily. Sow words of kindness, invest in the lives of others, learn the language of encouragement, find the good in other people and you will be writing your own obituary. In the Psalm (90:9) the writer said: "Life is lived as a tale that is told, and each transition is like rose petals pressed between pages of memories for retrieving in days ahead." We have a choice write it ourselves or leave it too others. Which one would you rather do? I once heard Rev. Al Sharpton make a statement some years ago that I can't get out of my head: "one of the hardest jobs for a preacher is to preach a funeral of a irreverent negro".

Sara , Jesus Was A Community Organizer!

Hey Sara! What's wrong with being a community organizer? How about this list of organizers:

1. Jesus -- The 1st and most important!
2. The Apostles --- Help the community to move forward!
3. Paul Revere---- was a community organizer.
4. Martin Luther King --- started one of the greatest move in history!
5. Sam Houston. ---- community organizer!
6. Andrew Jackson. ----- community organizer!
7. Barack Obama ---- helped a lot of people on the South side of Chicago!
8. Oh! and by the way I think you qualify too. How about PTA. So, what wrong with community organizers?

Bristol Palin and The Double Standard..

Why is Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old daughter “off-limits” and deserves some privacy? May be its that double standard thing. The religious right rather than condemn Bristol for “living in sin instead they commend her for not getting an abortion. On the other hand, let that had been a black unwed teenager from the inner city who's pregnant, these same right winger would denounce it as evidence that our society is crumbling apart. So kinda way they would have blame HIP-HOP. Where is the fire-and-brimstone crowd? The right wing is trying to make Bristol Palin out to be a role model. Really! Now Bristol Palin is the role model for how pregnant teenage girls should react in such circumstances? Please! give me a break with this non-sense. When a teenage welfare mom gets pregnant and opts against an abortion, how many times do we hear this as a “life-affirming” moment? When do we hear members of Congress go so far as to say that these girls are role-models? You don’t. When the subject is a pregnancy to an unwed, minority teenage mother growing up in some urban area, it becomes fodder for lectures from conservatives about bad parenting, the perils of welfare spending and so on. But when the subject is a pregnancy to an unwed, white teenager from some small town in a Republican state, it’s a celebration of the wonders of God's magnificence—and choosing life! My question why the double standard? Why is it OK for the daughter of a right-wing Governor to be pregnant and unmarried but not for a poor black teenager? Sounds to me like double standard.

The Old Black Church Is Celebrating Its Ist Anniversary!

Welcome friends and visitors to the celebrations of the Old Black Church. Today The Old Black Church is 1 year old and I am glad to welcome you to my corner of the blog world. On behalf of The Old Black Church I embrace you in Christ's love. I Want to take this time to personal thank all the visitors and the lurkers who has visited this blog in the last year. My 1st comment was from: Sista Cala

The post that received the most response was God Star vs Rock Star. and is Tavis Right? I was going through some things with my son when I wrote this post it was a painful time for me. But I want to Thank Poet for what he wrote. The post was My sons In Jail. The most hateful of all was this one here There Shall be no competition...... The blogs in my blog roll I read every day and Lynn over at Hicktown Press was the 1st to add me to a blog roll thanks!

I love Country Music.

I'm a 51 year old black woman who grew up in the deep South lip-syncing to The O'Jays and slow dancing to the sound of the late great Johnny Taylor. Some where along the way I found my self listening to Traditional Country music. As a child growing up in the 1950's, in a predominantly black community were country-and-western music wasn't in my house and Blacks weren't supposed to like country music. Some thought Blacks' contribution to American music was in jazz, blues and funk only. So, Country music was dismissed as poor white folks' blues and associated with a regions of the nation that symbolized prejudice and racial bigotry. Even some of mainstream white America viewed country as lower class and less desirable especially its twangy chords. I don't really no what drew me to country music unless it was the hit Clarence Carter had out call "Patches." After watching and listening to Sheryl Crow last night at the DNC I got to thinking about how country music has been through some changes also. It has lost alot of its twang. I was a Johnny Cash and Conway Twitty fan growing up so when Twitty and Sam Moore did the remake of a Rainy Night In Georgia man, what a awesome job and that drew me in more. But, a lot of todays Contemporary Country stars just don't touch my spirit like the artist of old. I don't know is it me are because the twang is missing. I do like some of todays artists like Darius Rucker who once did lead with Hootie and The Blowfish. Darius has a new single "Don't Think I Don't Think about It" which sounds a lot like old country music too me. I guess nothing stay the same and change is good for everybody.

The StoreFront Chruch.

You can find a storefront church in mostly any city in America but mostly in Black communities. During the era of Jim Crow Black churches were a important source of social and spiritual support for many Southern blacks. Even the poorest church was an institution that was black-led and provided a much-needed space for community participation. Black churches in the South formed separate congregations and associations after the Civil War, refusing to join white-led churches, where segregated seating arrangements and patronizingly racist sermons were the norm. During the time when thousands of blacks migrated from the rural South to seek work in cities, both in the North and the South the increased churchgoing population, was more than what some city churches could handle . Some southerns felt unwelcome at the larger black churches, which had predominantly middle- and upper-class parishioners many of whom looked down on the poorer newcomers and storefront preachers for their lack of theological training. In response the newcomers soon assembled home-based and storefront churches that resembled the churches of their hometowns. Decades later, despite increased secularism, storefront and community churches have remained strong influences in black America, offering educational and financial resources in addition to religious ministry. Today, storefront churches are still around and in a lot of neighborhoods. The storefront church is also a product of economics: many poorer neighborhoods lack the funds to build a church from scratch. Many have recently been established in Latino- and Asian-dominated neighborhoods, as well as poorer rural communities, typically serving similar functions as the storefront churches in historically black communities. These new places of worship are by no means limited to Christian denominations you have mosques and temples of faith too.

Death And Dying.

I never was one for the death penalty but, I often wonder how the person who pulls the switch or give that fatal injection felt. I was reading this article about a Pastor Carroll Pickett's who once worked as a minister with Texas inmates just before their executions. Pickett stated they he once was in favor of the death penalty until he started to work with the inmates and the victims family. Pickett's said some inmates talked and talked before their execution weather they were guilty or not. He stated that some was guilty and some not. Pickett said that many were mentally retarded with the majority being Hispanic or Black. He said they only executed one who had a college degree. The average was only up to the 9th grade. MOST OF THE MEN WERE HIGH ON DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WHEN THEY COMMITTED THEIR CRIMES. Pastor Pickett said he's NOT convinced there is no pain with an execution. He heard signs of pain during executions--often happening more when the inmate would fight with the procedure. "Most of them wanted physical contact--wanted me to hold their hand but I couldn't" he said, "but I never lost contact with them, none of them." "IT'S BURNING" he would sometimes hear. "A LOT OF THEM WOULD NOT GO COMPLETELY TO SLEEP WITH THE FIRST DRUG...SOMETIMES THE NOISES WERE NOT JUST AIR BUT PAIN." Pickett kept emphasizing to how important it was that the one to be executed not fight. Pickett was ask about how he would face his own death and his response was I am not afraid too die I led (these men their ) last eight steps and many were not afraid to die. Question: Should a mentally retarded person be put to death? My answer would be NO !

John McCain Should Pick Hillary Clinton As His Running Mate.

John McCain has decided to not talk about the issues but instead bring up Obama VP choice. That’s ok if he wants to take on Joe Biden’s stance on issues, but he’s attacking the choice. Republican John McCain launched a new ad Sunday claiming rival Barack Obama passed over Hillary Rodham Clinton as his running mate for “speaking the truth” about his liabilities. The ad, called “Passed Over,” features a clip of Clinton and repeats criticisms the New York senator made during the Democratic primaries over Obama’s alleged lack of specifics on issues, negative campaign tactics and his relationship with Antoin Rezko, a former Obama fundraiser convicted in June on corruption charges. John McCain can't win running on the truth like his party own failing platform. So what do McCain do? try and divide another party. If McCain want Hillary Clinton as his running mate by all means pick her so we can move on to more important things like the issues that we face.That way the angry PUMAS can have what they want.

I Miss Sunday School.

My husband and I are new to this Sunday School and it's hard to adjust to it. I know most people who attend Sunday school would say that they welcome newcomers. However, it is often challenging for us to feel like "part of the family" because we do not share the history of the class. The Sunday School is set up in the Old Traditional Baptist Church way. You know were they give each class a banner for the most Bibles, money and attendance. We have not been a part of this kinda of teaching in years. I am a person who love learning and growing in my faith and Sunday School is a great tool for that. It is hard to get up early on Sunday morning for a class that you don't connect too. It's hard too forget the great teaching at my old church but I won't give up trying to fit in. A lot of churches are moving away from Sunday School period. Question? Is Sunday School important for Christian growth?

Following Protocol!

Protocol precludes an audience before royalty prior to engaging in the customary decorum. In the Book of Esther, we read of King Xerxes, “When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, ‘what is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.’” Esther 5:2-3. The Old Testament speaks a great deal to the protocol required when approaching the Tabernacle. In fact, not just anyone could approach, regardless of their status or position in life. Only the priests were permitted entrance to the Tabernacle and even then, they had a set of regulations that had to be followed prior to their entrance. Even at that, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place. There was no scepter. There was no chance God was going to allow anyone to approach without following His protocol, that’s how Holy He is. So, if we know that He is Holy why do we think we can approach Him any kinda way? Sometime with hate in our hearts and fill with bitterness. We know that God is Holy. We know He is our King; there never was and never will be any king like Him – not ever. God’s heart so loved us, longed for intimacy with us, but a Holy God will not break His own rules. So He sent His Son. In effect, Jesus is the Scepter that God holds out to us, the Scepter that cleanses us in order to permit us limitless – infinite – access to the King of Glory. Once we understand who He is we will begin to approach Him in a different light. He doesn’t offer half His Kingdom, He offers all of it. Through His act of love, the offering of His Son - The High Priest of high priests - God adopted us into His Family. We are Princes and Princesses of the Most High King.

Would Your Church Accept A 600,000 Dollars Gift?

After Robert Powell hit the Florida Lottery jackpot last month and took home more than $6 million, he thought of his church. And he offered to drop his tithe, around $600,000, in the collection plate of First Baptist Orange Park. But the church and Pastor politely declined and told Powell they will not accept the lottery winnings.The pastor would not say exactly why the church refused the money, saying only he 'didn't want to talk about members' gifts'. Question? Do the church check to see where other tithes and offerings are coming from... you know... just to be safe? Is the money consider tainted if Yes/No what make it so? Would your church accept the money? I don't understand why a church would turn down a gift. My church would because, of the people we try to help daily.

Locking The Pastor Out Of The Church.

You have to watch this video. It's something else. Question?......

1. How could you spend $49,000 at a men's clothing store? 2. You locked him out, but you still allow him to come to services... and preach? Why! 3. Why do you give the pastor the ability to sell church property? 4. Is the church leadership to blame for letting this happen? 5. Why want the pastor leave?

VH1 Kiddie Pageants, Why?

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching VH1. You know the channel who’s given us infamous shows such as Flavor of Love (1, 2 and 3), Rock of Love, I Love New York etc… I hate to admit it, but I’ve watched these shows and am just amazed at what people are willing to do to be on TV. So, as I watched VH1, I saw a program titled Little Beauties. It was a reality show about beauty pageants for 6 year old little girls. After watching this show, I was shock by what I saw. I saw these little girls wearing tons of makeup. I saw little girls with their hair hardened into ‘big’ hair styles via hair spray. I saw little girls sashaying down a runway in bikini swimsuits. I saw little girls acting like adults. I was surprise to see a Black couple there. The father seem as if he really didn't like it but, the mother was all into it.

Why do parents allow their kids to be exploited just for some exposure and maybe a little bit of money? I just don’t understand. This is something that is very prevalent in today’s society, which appears to be in a constant decline. As our children gets older and society continues its downward spiral, it's sad to think what will be shown on TV, starring children. As parents we are to protect our young at whatever cost. One day we'll have to give an account of our action concerning those given unto us. ( hat tip: to Kelly Belle )

Let's Not Exploit People For Personal Gain.

America Next Top Model is back for its 11th "cycle" on September 3rd. For the 1st time the reality show is including a transgender contestant, Isis. I have been reading were some people are already praising Tyra Banks and ANTM Ms. Banks has dealt with: weight ( remember Tocoria, when they knew she was too heavy) , Autism, lesbianism, bisexuality, ghetto girls, poverty, and even a girl who was half-blind! What makes anyone think this will be different with a transgender woman? I remember once before that Ms. Banks and the creators of ANTM have already rejected a transgender woman by the name of Claudia Charriez. Claudia was disqualified because she was transgender so, my question is why is the show embracing a woman of transgender experience? Do Ms. Banks have a hidden agenda? Do she plan to exploit this young lady for rating? I don't have anything against Ms. Banks however, let's not use people for our own personal gain. I am hoping Isis will not be exploited or made to be a spectacle, while Tyra positions herself as a door opener. Lisa over at Black Women BlowThe Trumpet has a post about transgender which I found to be very good reading.

Gospel Music At The DNC.

This year the 2008 Democratic National Convention will make history as it features the first ever Convention Interfaith Gathering on August 24 at the Wells Fargo Theater in Denver, CO. It will feature musical selections by Richard Smallwood & Vision and The Spirituals Project of Denver. Also Bishop Charles E. Blake, Presiding Prelate of the Church of God In Christ, will be part of the collection of prominent religious leaders from across various faiths who will speak at this historic gathering.

Shekinah Glory Ministry.

Congratulation to Shekinah Glory Ministry for putting out such wonderful music. I was introduce to Praise and Worship music through this CD. Praise is what I do, talking about taking you to the next level. The entire CD is mine blowing. William Murphy was the Worship Leader on this particular CD.

SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY debut CD, the double disc praise and worship masterpiece Praise Is What I Do, has already achieved Gold status and is well on the way to being certified Platinum. SGM new CD was certified Gold by Recording Industry Association of America.

Elder Phil Tarver is the Praise and Worship Leader of Shekinah Glory Ministry: "We are taught that the more God exalts you the more you should humble yourself. We are humbled but honored to know that more than a few folks are enjoying what we do as we continue our mission of creating music that pierces the kingdom of darkness and enlarges the Kingdom of God." About Kingdom Records Kingdom Records, Inc. is the fulfillment of the vision of Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, Senior Pastor of Valley Kingdom Ministries International. Apostle Wilson conceived the idea from God to start a praise and worship ministry and to name it Shekinah Glory Ministry and to name the label Kingdom Records, while on sabbatical in the Arizona desert in 1999. The company was established in 2000. Kingdom Record's primary mission is to create music that pierces the kingdom of darkness and enlarges the Kingdom of God. The company is lead by music industry veteran Bernie McLean, Joan Sullivan, Junito R. Harris, Jr., Michael Weatherspoon. In addition to Shekinah Glory Ministry and Phil Tarver, Kingdom Records has expanded its roster with the addition of Gospel's Lady of Soul Cynthia Jones, Kim Stratton and Tonya Baker, the newest addition to the Kingdom roster, has made her debut with her first single: Vengeance Is Mine from her eagerly anticipated CD Special Friend, in stores August 19.

After 50 Years!

2 week ago I passed the 50 year mile marker. Reflecting on life is a natural thing to do at this age. The 1st Person Wish List... Personally I wish I had:

• more education
• traveled farther
• a deeper commitment to being centered (as in not allowing myself to be tugged in too may directions at the same time)
• as a Christian I wish I would have accepted/excepted Christ sooner than later.

The Personal Wish List... As a mother I wish I had:

• spent more time playing with my kids
• been better at providing for them
• listened more and better
• more patience and wisdom

As a woman I wish I had:

• not been so easy to trust those who didn't deserve it
• been more assertive
• less afraid to venture out on my own

Looking back in retrospect, it's easy to spot moments lost and the regret that comes with them. Time does not wait on no one to get it together. As much as a person wishes that the world would just come to a screeching halt, just long enough to get it together, the world continues on and willing, ready or not keeping up and evolving with it isn't a choice, it's a necessity.

What's So Scary About Michelle Obama?

Michelle Obama cover's the September issue of Radar, In the issue, they go deep into the First Lady hopeful! I'm loving the picture they chose to place on the cover. Here are some inserts from the issue: "She gives us her vision but not her positions. Unlike Hillary, she doesn't push a policy agenda. Her stump speech offers more of a world view. She speaks wistfully about the America that produced a hard-working man like her father, sadly about the country today (conservatives tend to focus on this aspect), and ecstatically about the future. We know she wants us to elect her husband, but we suspect she wants something from us, personally." " She has generated more than twice the volume of news stories Cindy McCain has. In part that's because she's on the cusp of becoming an adjunct historical figure: the first black president's first black first lady. But she is also a tantalizing conundrum. With the exception of Hillary, first ladies have spoken on their husbands' behalf with bland platitudes and knowing good-wife smiles. But Michelle Obama doesn't play by those rules. The vision she offers of Barack is uniquely prosaic: His breath stinks, he doesn't put away the butter, he snores. She warns, "He will not be able to move you to tears with every word that he says." Read the Full Article Here

Isaac Hayes And The Teaching Of Scientology.

I was reading a article about Isaac Hayes and Scientology. I am trying to understand what makes a person leave the Christian faith especially after growing up in the faith. Scientology was founded by L.Ron Hubbard and he taught that the immortal soul--or "thetan" --passes from one body to the next through reincarnations over trillions of years. When a person dies, Hubbard said the thetan goes to a landing station on Venus where it is programmed with lies about its past life and its next one. Hubbard taught his followers to choose a location other than Venus. When I heard Isaac Hayes was a Scientologist it was hard for me to wrap my mine around it. He just didn't fit that mold. The church of Scientology seems beyond bizarre to me. Hayes grew up in the Baptist and Pentecostal church where Jesus walked with Hayes along with hustlers and dealers. He was baptized in the Christian faith at an early age. Hayes became the Black Moses of Memphis Soul, a funky blend of gospel and blues, church and street, sacred and profane. In 1997, Hayes and Lisa Marie Presley funded a Scientology mission church in Memphis. Later that year, they threw a Christmas party at the church for inner city children. Hayes saw something in Scientology that he thought would help inner-city children. He was introduced to Hubbard's work in the mid-1990s by Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, a former Baptist pastor who joined Scientology after the L.A. riots in 1992. At Johnson's urging, Hayes took two Dianetics classes, "The Ups and Downs of Life" and "Personal Values and Integrity." Hayes said "These were the tools that I been looking for, to improve my life and other people's lives," that Scientology is the key to life and total freedom. The minute that I started doing these courses and things, I started pulling in all kinds of wonderful jobs. It's the key to my survival. Knowledge about one's self is always the key to one's survival." Hayes joined Johnson's World Literacy Crusade, an organization that uses Hubbard's "study technology" to promote literacy inner-city neighborhoods. I still don't have an answer as to why, O well.