Black people have engaged every change demanded of them. They were told to change their hair. They did. They were told to change their dress. They did. They were told to change their language. They did. They were told to get an education. They did. They were told to get religion. They did. They were … Continue reading Devalue of Black Change
Author: The Bell Reader
Schooling & Pandemic
When it comes to whether to "send your child to school" or "not to send your child to school" this upcoming school year, uncertainty is certain. There are parents on both sides of the issue and for varying reasons. There are educators and educational staff that are on varying sides of the issue, too. Bigger … Continue reading Schooling & Pandemic
Black Man’s Mind
The African American Christian male has to leverage within his own psyche vigilance, compassion, and outrage. He must be vigilant for his own safety, compassionate towards all those who bear the image of the Creator, and outraged at the many faces, modes, and mechanisms of injustice and brutality. His mental and emotional state has to … Continue reading Black Man’s Mind
Wisdom After the Miracle
Jesus has a very unique way of communicating with and reaching people collectively and personally. Three scenes mentioned back-to-back highlights three very different messages from Jesus. In Luke 8:39, Jesus instructions are "go home" and "declare". "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout … Continue reading Wisdom After the Miracle
Not Fearing the Valleys
I am thankful for the valleys. I do not like the valleys. However, I am fully aware of the necessity and power of the valleys. The valleys are full of darkness, cold hearts, heartlessness, hurt, pain, and death. These and similar moods, attitudes, and actions are the shadows. They follow us, chase us, and are … Continue reading Not Fearing the Valleys
Others’ Focus
I understand this image. I understand the post. I even understand the scriptures that line up with this image such as: "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things … Continue reading Others’ Focus
All The Feelings: From Rage to Remembrance
Right now, I am feeling all the feelings. I am feeling the entire spectrum of feelings from rage, anger, and betrayal to the other end where love, grace, and mercy resides. Each part of who I am holds and houses it's own unique set of emotions and they are simultaneously being experienced by me right … Continue reading All The Feelings: From Rage to Remembrance
Heart, Mind, and Walk
When I think about Enoch's walk with God and where the issues of life flow from - the heart - it speaks to the nature of Enoch's heart. It speaks to him having a clean heart, right spirit, and a renewed mind. Much of my time has been thinking deeply about being "transformed" by a … Continue reading Heart, Mind, and Walk
Though He Slay Me?
Do people really mean "...though He slay me, I will trust Him..."? It is a text preached from often and one audiences and congregations swoon over in excitement, jubilee, and joy. But what does it rally mean? The man, husband, father, and businessman responsible for these words spoke them in response to great loss - … Continue reading Though He Slay Me?
Calibrating The Heart
I wonder how Jesus had the capacity to be fully God and fully man. How was He able to engage the fullness of this life, the fullness of this world, the fullness of Creation, and not be consumed by the allurements of Creation? How was He not able to dine in the desires of the … Continue reading Calibrating The Heart