A year end word from Iyanla

With all the events that have taken place in December, including family illness and deaths, and as of yesterday the unexpected death of a high-school classmate, I am officially over 2010.  I am expecting great things in 2011.  I wish you all a safe New Year's Celebration, whether you find yourself at a Freedom's Eve Service or surrounded with family and friends waiting on the ball to drop in Times Square.  Please read the following words from Iyanla Vanzant's devotional Acts of Faith for December 31.

December 31:  Acts of Faith
"Your crown has been bought and paid for.  All you must do is put it on your head."  James Baldwin

There is nothing you need that you do not already have.  There is nothing that you need to know that you do not already know.  There is nothing that you want that does not already exist.  There is nothing that exists that is too good for you.  There is nothing that anyone has that you cannot have.  There is nothing more powerful, more intelligent, more sacred than you.  You are the stuff that life is made of.  You are the essence of life.  You have been chosen at this time, in this place to be among the living.  You come from a long line of successful living beings.  You are one of the king's kids.  Born into the world to inherit the kingdom.  You are equipped to handle anything.  You live by grace, built by love.  You are the cause and reason of everything you see.  You are one with the Source.  You are creative.  You are alive.  What else could possibly matter?

Today I claim my Divine inheritance.
Iyanla

Peace,
Karsten

The 365 day difference

If you're like me, you may be contemplating how you have changed from last year to this year.  Or maybe, you could be anticipating how 2011 will be different for you than 2010.  I have not written a formal list of goals for 2011, if I were to be honest with myself, they would probably be the same as they were last year this time as we were closing out 2009.

I will say that 2010 has been an interesting year with its fair share of losses, gains, ups, downs, twists and turns.  But through it all we have been kept.  My grandmother used to say quite frequently, "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow."  To be honest, we really don't know what's in store for us in 2011.  Anyone with half a gnat's brain would automatically hope for peace, love, joy and prosperity.  But, there are some things that will throw us off between the moments of love, peace and joy.  Sometimes these occurences may be welcomed and at other times they may not be.

Here's a simple challenge.  Be the best YOU that you can be in 2011.  I know that some of us will break out the lists of goals, and the litany includes -- losing 20 pounds, saving more money, eating more healthy, going to worship more consistently, not to drink any more, or any less, to quit smoking, to manage time better.  The list goes on and on.  But whatever you resolve to do in 2011, remember to be the best YOU that you can be.  Nobody else can be you.  You are a professional you.  Now walk in it.  I once heard Pastor T.L. Carmichael, Sr. say, "If you do the same thing, you'll get the same results."  What are you going to do differently in 2011, that will bring about the change and results that you want?

Peace,
Karsten

And it came to pass...

I was in an Advent Bible study group about two weeks ago and one of the older members of our group said something that just blessed me and I didn't even realize it until a week later.  During the study, we were talking about some of our favorite scriptures.  Mrs. Revis said that one of her favorite lines from the Bible is "And it came to pass."  After having worked all day and given a couple tests, I did not immediately process this.  Nearly a week later, I was reading in a devotional and ran across it.  "And it came to pass."

Being the recovering Baptist that I am, I prefer the King James Version of the Bible when I study and read from devotionals or the lectionary.  If you've ever noticed in the KJV, whenever something was about to happen, the writer would say, "and it came to pass."  For example -- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  Here's another one for you.  And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.  Okay, one more for the Holy Spirit.  And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

I was thinking about that five-word one-liner "and it came to pass."  I am not sure what your "it" may have been in 2010.  But know that "it" came to pass, not to stay.  Your "it" may have been a divorce, death of a loved one, a rebellious child, unemployment, financial uncertainty, a strained relationship and the list goes on and on.  But whatever your "it" was in 2010, remember that "it came to pass."  This too shall pass!  This same one-liner also brings me to ask this question.  Why did it come?  We already know that it came to pass, but on a deeper level, your "it" came to you to strengthen you, to perfect your faith and to equip you for the kingdom.  You can't have a testimony without a TEST.  Your past won't last.  And it came to pass!  Let the church say AMEN!

Peace,
Karsten

Happy Kwanzaa!

I have never really celebrated Kwanzaa, but I do appreciate it's concept.  Kwanzaa simply means first fruits of the harvest.  This tradition began in 1967, during the Black Nationalist Movement.  Each year Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 - January 1, which is the perfect time for year end reflection.  Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa represents some theme in which we are called to examine ourselves both collectively and individually.  The seven celebrated themes of Kwanzaa are Unity (Umoja), Self Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective work and responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujama), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani).

If you've never celebrated Kwanzaa before, I encourage you to think and meditate on these principles, as we transition into a new year.  Also, across the country, there are several Kwanzaa observances and celebrations.  If time lends itself, go and participate in a celebration in your area.  You may actually learn something.  I am going to a local celebration later this week.  Happy Kwanzaa!

Peace,
Karsten

The signs of Christmas

Wow, here we are.  Happy Early Birthday, Jesus!  I am an avid bumper sticker and sign reader.  Here are some that I have seen over the course of the last few weeks that are themed around Christmas. 

1.  Jesus is the reason for the season
2.  Keep Christ in Christmas!
3.  No Jesus, no peace
4.  Peace on earth
5.  Jesus is coming soon, look busy
6.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
7.  Naughty or nice?
8.  Santa, please stop here!
9.   The Episcopal Church welcomes you to Christmas Eve Mass!
10. Christmas Eve is the new Black Friday

Wishing you all the peace, love, joy and merriment that only a celebration of Christ's birth can bring to you and yours.  ¡Feliz Navidad!  Joyeux Noel!  Merry Christmas! 

The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
Karsten

Steal away

Crabtree Valley Mall!  Are you serious?  The post office!  Are you serious?  Those clerks have sooooo much attitude.  Wal-Mart!  Absolutely not! I may have to use some non-christian vocabulary words. Harris-Teeter and Trader Joe's!  Maybe later on today.  If you are like me, you are in the midst of running around trying to make sure that everything is in place and perfect for Christmas.  You've probably been out multiple times to the post office, grocery stores, shopping malls, Walgreens and all points in between.  You may even find yourself asking.  Do I have everything ready for Christmas Eve Dinner?  What time is Mama's flight landing?  Where did I put my car keys?  Are we going to be able to make it to Christmas Eve Service this year?  Can someone please take these children, just for an hour?

In this mayhem, that we always put ourselves into each year, knowing that the date of Christmas is never changing, stop, relax and breathe!  Don't get so caught up on making sure that everyone has an awesome Christmas that you take on the persona of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Grinch and the Abominable Snowman wrapped up into one.  Steal away for a moment.  Take a mental break and get away from the madness.  I'm not suggesting that you leave your house and children to their own devices, but steal away and focus on what's really important.  Not the gifts, but the spirit in which we give gifts.

Peace,
Karsten

Blue Christmas

Can't you just hear Elvis singing "I'll have a blue, blue Christmas without you?"  In 2010 and before, many of us have lost friends and loved ones that were very near and dear to us.  If you've lost someone in 2010, I would imagine that the pain may be unbearable. 

My paternal grandmother died in August 1998.  Was it difficult losing her?  YES?  Have I got over losing her?  Not really.  I think of my grandparents almost everyday.  I'll never forget the Christmas morning of 1998.  I always would call my grandmother first thing on Christmas morning to wish her a Merry Christmas.  This Christmas was not any different.  I picked up the phone, dialed my grandmother's phone number and was immediately greeted by a robotic recording telling me that the number I had dialed was no longer in service.  Even though I knew my grandmother was dead, out of habit I just picked up the phone and called her.  When I hung the phone up, the sad reality hit me, that Grandma was not here this Christmas and would not be for any other Christmas. But in some odd way, I sensed her presence, I knew that she was with me in spirit and that was very comforting as I continued to grieve.

In some bizarre way, death is very much a part of life, as is birth.  If you have lost someone in 2010 or at any point.  Purpose in your heart that you will celebrate their legacy.  Do something in honor of them.  Celebrate them.  Write them a letter, or do an act of kindness in their honor.  Even though it hurts we must move on.  Keep their love in your hearts, and embrace the presence of their spirit.  Even though I'll never have any more of Grandma's sweet potato pie, every time I smell one baking.  I take a deep breath and wish her and my grandfather a Merry Christmas, hoping that they are as proud of me, as I was proud to be their grandson.  Be strong and steadfast in the faith during this holiday season.

Peace,
Karsten

The Art Auction

A couple weeks ago, I received an invitation to an art auction here in Raleigh, in which the funds go to arts in education programs.  I've gone to the annual event two years now.  Upon reading the invitation, I was reminded of this story.

There was a man who lived in France.  This man was a curator of fine art.  It is said that he had quite a collection of valuable and priceless art pieces and artifacts.  This man was very wealthy, but yet very humble.  This man was a widower, whose wife had died while giving birth to his only son.  For that reason, the son was very precious and beloved of his father.  As time passed the widower acquired more artwork and artifacts, while at the same time, taught his son the craft of his profession.

The son went to the best schools and worked side by side with his father.  There was a war in one of the bordering countries, and the son entered the military draft.  With a hesitant blessing from his aging father, the son went off to fight in this war.  The son wrote to his father as often as he got a chance.  One day, about nine months after the son left for the war, a French military official paid the elderly widower a visit.  The official was polite and the elderly widower invited him in.  He was invited to sit down, and then delivered the most painful news to the old man.  He informed him that his only son, had been killed in the war.  Upon hearing this news the elderly widower wept bitterly for his son.  The official told him that he had something for him and went to get it.  Upon returning in the house, the official presented the elderly widower of a portrait of his son that was painted by one of his son's colleagues in the military, and told the man that his son wanted him to have it.  The elderly widower gracefully accepted this immortalized version of his son and began to prepare for his son's burial.

Over the next week, the funeral arrangements were  made and the son was given a dignified military burial in the catholic rite.  The portrait of the elderly widower's son hung in the living room of his home.  Ten years later, the elderly widower died peacefully in his sleep.  The art world was rocked and stunned by the death of this curator of art.  Soon after the elderly widower was buried, all of his art work and artifacts would be auctioned off.  Such an event drew the who's who of the art world from every corner of the globe.  On the day of the auction, people gathered dressed in their finery, with such anticipation, eagerness, auction paddles and wine.  The excitement of the event was magical.  The auctioneer began the bidding.  However, he began the bidding with the portrait of the elderly widower's son.  Much to the dismay of the crowd, people began to gripe and complain.  Why start the auction with this old portrait?  Let's bid on the more valuable objects; jeered someone from the crowd.

The auctioneer then stated that upon the request of the deceased widower, the portrait of the son be sold first.  This still did not appease the crowd.  Then, a man in his early thirties began to bid on the portrait.  There were no opposing bids and the man bought the portrait of the son for 300 euros.  This same man was the artist who painted the portrait, and felt a sense of obligation and respect to both the son and the deceased widower.  After the purchase was closed, the auctioneer announced that's it.  The auction is over.

The crowd was stunned beyond belief, saying this is ridiculous, there's only been one piece sold.  This is maddening!  This is preposterous! The auctioneer then said that upon request of the deceased widower, whoever bought the portrait of his only son as the first item for bid would receive the entire collection.  Shocked and astonished, the patrons and guests left.  The moral of the story is simply this, "he or she who has the son, has everything."  The son represents our savior, Jesus and the elderly widower represents God.  He wants us to have everything.  Think about the one who became poor that we might be rich, not materially, but spiritually.  Got Jesus?

Peace,
Karsten

Up and Down

I am sitting here at a neighborhood coffee shop watching Raleigh's third snowfall for the month of December.  This is so uncommon for our region, but nonetheless -- it has me in somewhat of a Christmas mood.  During the last couple weeks, my blog entries have centered around advent.  After all, advent and Christmas are my favorite seasons of the church year.  However, during this time; I also reflect on the year; what worked and what did not work.  As I watch the snow dance with the breeze, I am reminded of two things; the latter of which I will blog today.  God is a keeper and preserver.  I am a living witness, and secondly -- you cannot appreciate up until you've been down.

I am sure that for some of us 2010 has been a humdinger of a year.  I have appreciated my mountain top moments as much as my valley lows.  In Spanish, the word altibajos means ups and downs, but it literally means talls and shorts.  I can so relate to this, as there were times in 2010 that I felt taller than Goliath the Giant.  Then there were times that I felt absolutely diminished and shorter than an unassuming toddler.  Some of my down moments in 2010 include being hospitalized and its recuperation, losing a dear childhood mentor and family friend, economic uncertainty, and losing friends; or better yet, seeing some people in my immediate sphere of influence for what they truly are.  In these downswing moments of 2010, I became stronger.  I learned to love and advocate for myself, to rely and trust God in all things; and in everything, to give thanks.

I am also humbled in knowing that even when I thought I was down and out, there was someone whose situation was so much worse than mine, and yet, God kept me.  He has preserved me spirit, soul and body for such a times as this.  With less than two weeks left in 2010, count your blessings and name them one by one.  You too, will soon realize that your good days by far outweigh your bad days.  Let's stop feeling sorry for ourselves, no one is coming to our pity party.  Embrace the down times in your life, but don't stay there.  You will appreciate the up and up more than you would have imagined possible.  You cannot fully appreciate up, until you've been down.

Peace,
Karsten

Hope

There is an old hymn of the church that says:  "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."  Hope is the very essence of advent.  I think that we tend to lump hope in the same category as a desire.  Ironically the Spanish verb esperar means both to wait for and to hope.  But it is frequently used as to wait.  In this 21st century age of technology, the act of waiting for something is old news.  Let's see there's instant messenger, fast food, instant grits, and the list goes on. 

I want what I want, and I want it now!  We are so accustomed to instant gratification, when the time comes for us to wait for something, even if for a day, we become very impatient and mad at the universe.  Some of us actually think that God may have abandoned us, as we wait.  There is something magical about waiting for something.  Think about it.  If you got everything you want, when you wanted it; it is highly probable that you would not value it, or possibly even take it for granted.  As we go about the inconvenient business of waiting in lines, being put on hold while on the phone, a medical prognosis, remember to lean on the Rock of your Salvation. 

The good news is, God will strengthen you while you wait.  Sometimes the best things in our lives come to us, because we had to wait for them, to prove that they could be entrusted to us.  What is your hope built on?  Is it built on the fact that you want what you want, and you want it right now?  Or maybe it is built on the delayed but not denied concept?  "On Christ the solid Rock I stand!  All other ground is sinking sand."

Peace,
Karsten

Got Joy?

Today is the third Sunday of Advent.  The theme for today is joy.  Plain and simple, do you have joy?  Speaking personally, I am not feeling very joyful at this very moment.  During the course of the last week, I have been overly consumed with the cares and concerns of work, as well as grieving the loss of a family friend and childhood mentor.  And to top it all off, I just learned that another elder in my childhood church has passed away this morning.  So, pardon me if I don't belt out the final stanza of "Joy to the world!"

As stunned as I am about these losses, and other issues and concerns of life, the love of Christ still illuminates and shines in my heart.  I may not feel very joyful, but on this third Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that Christ's first coming has brought both joy and salvation to the lives of a group of hopeless people.  Joy is also a fruit of the spirit.  Even though the holidays may cause us to feel sad and lonely about the loss of loved ones, it is up to us to tap into our joy source.  What's impeding your joy may not be the same as mine.  You may be unemployed, uncommitted to that special someone, feeling inadequate or not good enough.  However we are all walking in some shadow of darkness, despair and doubt.  It is time to speak to the barren, desolate and abandoned situations in our lives that are bogging us down.

We've had our pity parties, and Debbie Downer moments, now it's time to think of the goodness of Jesus and how he has kept us through the year, at times when we didn't even want to be kept.  It is time that the joy of Lord strengthen and encourage you.  Let joy light your path as you walk through the valleys and the shadows of uncertainty.  Joy to the world! The Lord is come.  Got joy?

Peace,
Karsten

My favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin stashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into spring
These are a few of my favorite things.

I can just hear the song in my head now.  In the words of Sofia Patrillo from the Golden Girls; Picture it, Greenville, NC -- 1989 at the Greenville Hilton.  That was the night that the young lady that I escorted would be formally presented to the who's who? of the Greenville Black Community.  As the list of debutantes and their pedigree and the pedigree of their marshals were being read, that same song was being played by the orchestra.  Ironically enough, the girls in this cotillion were wearing white dresses, but were missing the blue sashes.  Last year I had the honor of serving as Marshal for a former student who is very dear to me when she debuted in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Ball, and what song should begin to play before our dance?  You guessed it!  My favorite things.  That evening was just as magical as the one that I had experienced twenty years earlier, before she was even born.

I think that Rogers and Hammerstein were on to something with this particular song.  It is a holiday instrumental classic, that is pumped into department stores, restaurants and holiday socials.  But it bids us to ask what are some of our favorite things?  I'm not talking about material things, but what are some of your favorite things that you can't go buy at the local shopping center?  Might they be, a long autumn walk amidst rustling leaves, the smell of sugar and molasses cookies baking, a hug from your child, a piece of mail that is not a bill, hearing the voice of your special someone, or being cuddled up on the couch with your pet and a cup of hot chocolate on a cold, rainy day?  Whatever your favorite things are, take time to embrace them during the madness and mayhem that the holiday season tends to bring.

Peace,
Karsten

Not what you expected

Many people don't know this, but I worked in media (TV, radio and print) before I started teaching.  Have you ever been listening to the radio and you hear a radio personality on the air and in your mind, you begin to form an image of what you think that they should look like?  I am guilty of this.  I have actually had the opportunity to meet radio personalities in person.  At times, upon meeting them, I would think that they were not what I had imagined what would have been on the other side of the microphone.  Maybe you have conversed with someone over the phone before you met them, for example setting up a job interview.  Then you get to the interview or meeting and think to yourself, I imagined them being this way, or such and such way.

The same thing happened with the birth of our Savior.  The prophet Isaiah said that he would be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace and Immanuel.  Other names attributed to Jesus are King of Kings, Lord of lords, Bright and Morning Star, Rose of Sharon and the Alpha and the Omega.  With a litany of such powerful names, who would imagine that our Holy King, the son of Mary would make his entrance from the heavenly glories in a little sleepy town called Bethlehem, only to be born in a stable with stinky animals and laid in a feeding trough as his crib within hours of his birth.  He would have an array of visitors from Shepherds, the Magi from the far east, and yes, some even believe the little drummer boy (LOL).  Our savior's birth was heralded and announced by the angels and hosts of heaven.  This is not what I would have expected to be the primary living conditions for the King of Kings and Lord of all Creation.  But this is the way that God saw fit to bring salvation into the world.

I encourage you to step out on faith and to embrace the unexpected.  Sometimes we block ourselves from so many blessings in our lives, because the external packaging is not what we would expect it to be.  Be open to the unexpected.  The old folk used to say that the Lord works in mysterious ways.  So during this season, tap into the mystery of the unexpected.

Peace,
Karsten

This little light of mine!

This little light of mine!   I'm gonna let it shine!
This little light of mine!   I'm gonna let it shine!

All in my home!             I'm gonna let it shine!
All in my school!           I'm gonna let it shine!
All in my job!                I'm gonna let it shine!
Everywhere I go!          I'm gonna let it shine! 

Let it shine!  Let it shine!  Let it shine!
Let it shine!  Let it shine!  Let it shine!

This by far has to be one of my favorite childhood songs that I often find myself humming and foot tapping to even as an adult.  Jesus told his disciples and that includes, us the 21st Century disciples that "We are the light of the world, and that we should let our light shine."  In this fast-paced world of ours, I dare you to shine your light of love, truth, compassion and humility in the dark places of struggle and opposition.  Be the beacon of hope that someone needs to see, not only in advent, but always.

Shine out!
Karsten

No room...

Remember the scene in the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest was going to school on the bus?  He was a new kid in school and did not have any friends.  Poor Forrest, he went from seat to seat on the bus and the common response was "can't sit here, this seat is taken."   There was one kid that just non-verbally told him that he could not sit with him by sliding to the edge of his seat, and giving him an evil glare.  Finally Jenny, spoke up and said in a noticeable southern accent, "you can sit here."  Forrest joined her in her seat and they formed a really interesting friendship which lasted through adulthood.

How many times have you been told "No, you can't sit here!  There's no room!  You're not one of us!  There's not enough space, Sorry Charlie!"  Rejection is painful and at times embarrassing.  This is the same thing that Mary, the espoused wife of Joseph probably experienced.  Mary was very pregnant, nearing her due date, and Joseph was simply trying to register and pay his taxes in Bethlehem.  Mary was more than likely very uncomfortable on that donkey.  Mary and Joseph walked up and down, in, around and through the streets of Bethlehem, in search of lodging and some place to rest until the time should come that she would be delivered.  Finally, someone took pity on the young couple and said: I don't have space in my home, but you are more than welcome to lodge in the stable.

Most of us know the end of the story.  We'll cover that later.  During this season of Advent, let's examine ourselves and our hearts.  Is there room for the love of others in your heart?  Is there room for community service and meeting the needs of others in your heart.  Is there room for you to love and forgive yourself for all that has passed and is over with.  Friends, there is room at the altar.  Make room in your hearts, LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE hard!

Peace,
Karsten

Giving you the best that I got!

Being an adolescent of the 90's, I grew up to really appreciate and love the soulful R&B music of the 80's.  One of my favorite artists from this generation is Anita Baker.  I love Anita's song "Giving you the best that I got."  The opening lyrics go like this.  Ain't there something I can give, in exchange everything you give to me.  Read my mind and make feel just fine, when I think my peace is out of reach.  Anita's simply living her life these days.  She was on hiatus for a while with being a mom and staying under the radar.  However, recently she was honored on the Soul Train Awards.

In thinking about the words to "Giving you the best that I got," I am reminded that God gave us the best that he had, himself.  When we become conscientious of the fact that God gave his best, and continues to give us unmerited grace and mercy, our immediate knee jerk reaction should be to return the act, or at the very least, to thank him.  Think about it.  What is the best thing that you have that you can give to God?  The answer is simple, all of yourself.  In fact, we belong to God.  We are his personal change agents on the earth.

In my advent devotional, today's reading focused on the story of Hannah.  Hannah and Elkanah were barren.  In the ancient days of Judaism, having a male child was very important to carry on the family name and to preserve its immortality.  So, Hannah went to the temple, prayed and wept bitterly.  She made a deal with God and told him that if he would give her a male child that she would return the child to God for the duration of his life.  Hannah and Elkanah were blessed with a child, that they named Samuel.  At the appropriate time, Hannah took Samuel to the Temple at Shiloh where he was under the care of Eli the priest.   This same Samuel is the person that saw Isreal transition from the era of Judges to kings and rulers. 

Imagine that if our parents had made the same vow to God about our lives.  Some of us would be leading completely different lives.  Not that what we are doing now is not significant in any way.  During this holiday season and into the next year, remember that God has given us his best, commit to give God your best.  You'll probably have to take baby steps at first, but every day with Jesus gets sweeter than the day before.  When you commit all that you are and all that you have to God, you will truly be "Caught up in the Rapture of Love."

Peace,
Karsten

As is...

Recently, I was reminded by Rev. G.L. Edmond of this story by an anonymous writer.  Picture it, the day for the wedding of the century finally arrived.  I'm talking about a Prince William and Kate Middleton type wedding.  The church was beautifully decorated with fragrant flowers, ribbons and candles.  The guests started to arrive.  Finally, the bridegroom, his attendants and the officiating minister walked into the sanctuary and stood near the chancel.  A teenager leaned in to her friend and said, "My oh my, he sure is handsome."  Then an another lady on another pew said to her girlfriend, the groom looks good.  And yet another lady said, "he sure is a fine specimen of chocolate debonair."   

The parents of the bride and groom were seated and the bridesmaids and attendants entered the sanctuary to Ave Maria and Jesu, Joy of man's desiring. Then the moment finally came.  The entrance of the bride was announced by a jubilant bell ringer in a taffeta dress.  On cue, the organist and the trumpeter began to play the processional voluntary for the bride, and the entire body of witnesses stood to get a glimpse of this bride.  As the doors of the church opened, the bride made her entrance.  Her dress and veil were elegant, made from the purest and finest white fabrics.  Her hair and make-up were impeccable.  She was a beautiful sight to behold.  As she began to walk into the church, she immediately fell face forward on the hardwood floors of the church.  There was a collective gasp of shock and horror from the attendees and an abrupt pause in music.  How horrible to fall on your face on your wedding day.

After a few moments, the bride got up and limped down the aisle.  The organist and the trumpeter began to play again.  Her dress was now torn and tattered.  Her hair out of place and mascara running from her tears of embarrassment.  Her body was now bruised.  However as soon as she got to the altar, the bridegroom, as handsome, fine and cocolicious as he was, embraced her, kissed her and went through with the wedding rite with her.  Who would want to spend their wedding consummation night with such a mess?  The bridegroom accepted his new bride "As Is."

Brothers and sisters, that bride represents us, the body of Christ and the bridegroom represents Christ.  When you buy "as is" or clearance merchandise, all sales are final, no exchanges or refunds, end of discussion.  The moral of the story is that we are all damaged goods, but Jesus, in his great mercy loves us "as is."  We are all messed up in some manner.  But are accepted and loved "as is."  What is your "as is" imperfection, a cruel tongue, mess-stirrer, home wrecker, wife beater, skirt chaser, men chaser?  Remember that Jesus loves us "as is," and meets us where we are, even though we don't deserve it.  We are all products of grace. The grace of God is always sufficient.  Enjoy your wedding reception.

Peace,
Karsten

Kevin and Sean

You know sometimes I just have to break out of the office at work and clear my head.  Earlier today during my planning period, I decided that I was going to take some much needed me time, and run an errand.  As I was returning to school, I decided to see what was going on at my neighborhood Goodwill Industries (a thrift store).  I pulled up and parked, as I was getting out of my car,  a young brother approached me and said very politely, "Hey Big Bro!"  would you happen to have any men's clothes that you can donate?  I said, not with me.  He also told me that he and his brother lived in a local shelter and had not eaten breakfast.  This was about 2:15.  I told him that I had to go look in the store and would be back.

The young man and his brother sat on the stoop and his brother said, I guess it's gonna be one of those days.  His brother told him.  Man, just calm down, Big Bro is going to look out.  Meanwhile, I may have stayed in the store less than five minutes and did not see any vintage books or vinyl of interest.  It's so funny how you respond to people when you're called certain things.  Most of the times when I'm approached by someone in public needing assistance, I'm usually greeted by an "Ay yo my mane!"-- Instant turn off.  But this particular guy called me Big Brother.  Coincidentally, I am the youngest of my family, and always wanted to be a big brother, so naturally this greeting not only intrigued me, but pulled at my heart.

I reached in my pocket and pulled out a crumpled five dollar bill and gave it to the guy who I learned was the younger of the two brothers, whose name is Kevin.  He thanked me, but instead of walking off and rushing back to my office, I engaged in a conversation with the two young men.  Sean, the older of the two brothers is 27 and is the more laid back of the pair, while Kevin is 23.  I discovered that they are local natives with family in the area, but are living in a shelter.  As we were talking, Kevin complimented me on my haircut.  I don't know their story, but I could not judge them, or scoff at them.  I was not fearful in my dialogue with them, because I know that one of the areas that I am called to serve in, is urban ministry.  I knew that God had my back.  Five dollars would not send me to the poor house, but it got a meal for two brothers who probably had not eaten since yesterday. 

If at all possible, during this holiday season and beyond, practice random acts of kindness with friends, family and strangers.  There is always someone in a worse situation than you.  I felt so much better giving that money to Sean and Kevin, someone with whom I connected, as opposed to dropping spare change in the red kettle, which I will continue to do.  Remember the words of our Savior "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."  Matthew 25:40

Peace,
Karsten

Remembering Rosa

Today marks the 55th Anniversary of a day that forever changed the trajectory of our nation.  Fifty-five years ago, a courageous black domestic named Rosa Parks stared the Jim Crow South and its separate but equal rhetoric in the eyes and said enough is enough.  Through the quiet defiance of Sister Rosa's refusal to give up her seat to a white patron on that bus in Montgomery, Alabama, people began to say hey, I am somebody and I matter.  Rosa Parks has been named the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.  Rosa's actions were the perfect backdrop to introduce a then unknown Baptist minister who would emerge and also take our nation to even greater heights.

I am thankful for the many contributions of Rosa Parks and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, there are countless unnamed participants that rallied for the cause as diligently and passionately as did Rosa and Martin.  Let's not forget to honor them as well.  As a black male living and working in the south, I am so appreciative for the courage that these saints exemplified.

Today, December 1, is also World Aids Day.  HIV and AIDS is no longer the death sentence that it once was, nor is it something that we can just sweep under the mat, especially in the black community.  Somewhere out there, someone's mom, dad, brother, sister, son, daughter, cousin, friend and significant other has been afflicted by this disease.  Though they be afflicted they are not victims.  There are thousands of medical practitioners, scientists, social workers and other individuals and organizations at work to protect these individuals, and help them maintain their dignity and human rights.  In your prayers and meditations, as we celebrate Rosa Parks, the Matriarch of Civil Rights, let us also remember those who are affected and effected by AIDS and HIV.

Peace,
Karsten

Ready or not, here I come!

I remember my childhood days of playing hide and seek in my grandparents backyard.  Whoever the seeker of the hidden people was would shout out ready or not, here I come.  I bet you that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father saying, saints of God, Ready or not, Here I come.

This past Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent in many churches, protestant and catholic alike.  Also, the first Sunday of Advent is the first day of a new year in the church.  I remember going to a Roman Catholic school, and would be excited about advent and Christmas.  My favorite Advent hymn to this day is "Veni Emmanuel" or Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.  The word advent comes from the Latin word Adventum, its meaning is conveyed as the coming or the arrival.  In many homes and churches, including my own, you will find advent wreaths, in which candles are lit in anticipation of Christ's coming.

However for Christians, advent is not a season of the anticipation of Christmas, which seems to be the grand finale, but rather a season of preparation and anticipation of our Savior's second advent.  There are many spirituals and contemporary gospel songs that encourage us to "Get Ready."  The question then becomes how do we get ready for Jesus' return?  The answer is simple.  We must occupy until he comes.  We must make ourselves ready by becoming the people that he himself called us to be.  We must love our neighbors as ourselves, we must prepare our hearts for the work of the ministry and discipleship.  In our anticipation we must keep watch and wait.  We don't know when that time should come.  Here's a rhetorical question for you.  Are you ready?  If you're like me, your answer may be a resounding NO!  I say to myself and you as well in the words of the old negro spiritual, "You better get ready!"  Even so Lord, quickly come.

Peace,
Karsten

Give Thanks!

Give thanks with a Grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy one.
Give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, his son!
and now let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich.
Because of what the Lord has done for us.  Give thanks!

The apostle Paul reminds us, that in all things, give thanks!  As you spend time with your family today, just count your blessings and name them one by one.  You'll then realize that we have SO much to be  thankful for.  By far, our good days far outnumber our bad days.  Everyday of living gets sweeter than the day before.  Give thanks!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace,
Karsten

So unworthy, but yet so thankful

As I sit and blog, I am literally speechless.  Thanksgiving is a little more than a week away, Christmas decorations have been put up pretty much all over the city.  I am enjoying an attitude of gratitude.  If I had ten thousand tongues, it just wouldn't be enough to say "Thank you, Lord!"  I cannot utter up enough gracias, merci, danke, obgridado, efharisto, or todahs, to thank God for his infinite grace and mercy.  I am so unworthy, but yet so thankful.  It could have been the other way.  God didn't give up on me, and I'm not going to give up on myself.

The challenge for today is to turn your complaint into an offering of thanksgiving.  For example, instead of saying: These people on my job are getting on my nerves.  Consider saying;  Lord, I thank you that I am gainfully employed and that you have surrounded me by people, with whom I can share my faith. Remember, whatever your lot in life, we truly have so much to be thankful for.  I am so unworthy, but yet so thankful.  We are all products of grace.

Peace,
Karsten

Me and my big mouth!

I laugh just thinking about the blog entry title for today.  I have had countless foot in mouth moments in my life and anticipate having a few more.  Whether it's the white lie, the slip up, the inside joke that if everyone was clued in on, someone's feelings would be hurt, the four lettered-one syllable word that you didn't intend to slip out.  Whatever the case, James 1:19 reminds us:  "Wherefore my beloved bretheren, let every man be swift to hear and slow to speak."

I actually find it interesting that James admonishes us to listen before speaking.  Wow, If I could only master that concept.  The challenge for today is not to beat yourself upside the head for saying things that you can't take back, but rather listen, think and the speak!  In your personal time of meditation, just sit in blessed quietness and listen to your heart before making your supplications.  Listen to your friends and loved ones, often times they just want to be heard and not judged.  Happy Friday!

Peace,
Karsten

Get Excited!

One of the elements of school spirit at my job is the common tagline "Get excited!"  After an SGA officer or other student leaders make announcements at school assembly and other club meetings, at the end they'll respond with "Get excited!"  Example:  "The Spanish Club will have a guest speaker on Thursday -- Get Excited!"

Excitement and enthusiasm are very contagious.  During this time of year, we're more concerned with contracting colds, the flu (swine 09, or other various strands), strep throat, and my personal favorite, pneumonia.  Just as these illnesses are very contagious, our excitement and enthusiasm are as well.  Today is a new day, Get excited and be glad about it.  You may be looking at your life and thinking.  I don't have much to be excited about.  I'm unemployed, I'm single, My money is funny and lauging at me, I hate my job, I hate my life, and the list goes on and on.

The challenge for today is to simply get excited!  Get excited about the expectancy of possibility.  You are pregnant with potential and before long, the excitement of the birth of your baby named Potential will be very contagious.  You may not be where you are, but thanks be to God that you are not where you were.  If you need a boost in excitement, say this old school prayer with me.

Eternal God, our Father,
I come before today just as humble as I know how.
Thank you for allowing me to see another day.
I could have been dead and sleeping in my bed.
But you, in your mercy woke me up clothed in my right mind.
Lord, give me strength to do your will.
Put love in my heart.
Send your angels and mercy down to watch over me.
Forgive me, and I'll forgive others.
And when you call me home, I want to hear you say,
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.  

Amen
KGT

We build people

As I was on the treadmill at my neigborhood Y, the sign that had been up for a long time really caught my attention and ministered to me on the treadmill of all places at about 250 burned calories and a body drenched with sweat. The sign had the YMCA logo and read "We build people."  That is the name of the YMCA's capital campaign in which the funds will be used to do just what it implies, building people.

What more could you expect from an organization whose official name is the Young Men's Christian Association?  The Y has a long history in meeting the needs of others.  Its history goes all the way back to England in the 1840s.  I know that when we think about the Y today, we may simply think about the nice gym.  However the Y extends itself beyond the walls of its facilities to provide health and wellness education to the community, after school tutorials, summer day and boarding camps, and the list goes on.

As I thought about the "We build people" Capital Campaign, I became more pensive as I am about to embark upon discerning the call to serve in the diaconate in my church.  Christ has called us to build people.  We build people through exhortation, education, empowerment and edification.  There are thousands of broken and hurting people in our community.  Our charge is not only to build them up, but to reach one and teach one.  Say it with me...We Build People!  I build People.  Ok, let's not just talk about it, but be about it.  In your building and edifying of someone else, you may find that you have been built up and fortified as well.

Peace,
Karsten

The Upset and the Uproar

The problem with any election process is that ultimately, there is a winner (Yay!) and a loser (*%^$!).  Election Day has come and gone.  In Washington, and other cities across the country, some people are really happy and others are in a state of uproar and outrage.  The funny thing is that the millions of people that didn't vote for whatever reason will be the first ones to sound off when things don't work in their favor, even the ones that voted will chime in as well.  Go figure! 

Whether you're lifting up tea cups at a Tea Party rally, riding a blue donkey into the sunset, subscribing to Palin Power and NOBAMA political rhetoric, it is important for you to know that we serve a God who sits high and looks low.  As good-natured and spiritually mature people, we should keep the governance of our nation and its executors in our earnest thoughts and prayers.

Remember every knee in heaven and earth will bow and surrender to the ultimate, True and Righteous Judge on that great gettin' up morning.  If you find yourself upset, in uproar and outrage, rejoice in the fact that God has already worked it out.  There is a passage of messianic scripture which comes from Isaiah reminding us that: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end."  Isaiah 9:6-7

I love how poetic this passage of scripture reads in the King James Version of the Bible.  The challenge for today is to remember that the government, regardless of partisan affiliation, economic status and reforms, health insurance reform and tax increases -- shall rest upon the shoulders of our Redeemer.  Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.

Peace,
Karsten

The power of a voice

Today is a very important day in the governance of our nation.  Across
the country many states, commonwealths, cities, towns and counties will elect
new officials, or retain incumbents.  As a child I remember going to the
polls with my mom in the morning before she went to work and I went to
school.  Then after school, I would go vote with my grandparents, who were
retired.  Outside of Christmas, voting with my family is one of my
favorite childhood memories.

However as a child, I had no idea how precious the privilege of voting
really is.  It was instilled in me from an early age to vote, and for that
I am eternally grateful to the elders of my family.  I find it hard to
believe, but am humbled at the same time that my ancestral lineage is comprised
of very enterprising and hard working people who were at one point in our
nation's history only considered 3/5 of a man, with no rights under the
constitution than to be the property of someone else.  I think about the
Jim Crow Era, segregation, the black suffrage and am truly humbled that I am
now considered to be a whole man, with the rights, and opportunities as any
other citizen in our great nation.

The challenge for today is to VOTE, if you have not already.  In addition
take time to pray for all elected officials and the election taking place
today.  The following prayer is the prayer for an election, which comes
from the Book of Common Prayer.

Almighty God, to whom we must account
for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States
in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful
administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation
be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Do you know the power of your voice?

Peace,
Karsten

Pride v. Humility

I am about to step on some toes with this one, but here goes.  Most churches that follow the lectionary (big book of assigned daily bible readings) whether they're Episcopal, Anglican Catholic or AME, heard the following passage from Luke chapter 18 for the Gospel reading.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.  But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.  "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

When we approach God, do we find ourselves as the Pharisee or the Tax Collector?  Let's look a bit further.  The Pharisees were the ruling religious order.  They were the good guys.  The tax collectors exploited and cheated their own people and paid the Roman officials.  As people we have so much to be proud of, our heritage, education, job, family pedigree, spiritual life and church involvement.  All of which would not be possible if it were not for the grace of God.  Some of us tithe, pray every day, study and meditate on the word, and even fast.  But before we pontificate ourselves and trump our accomplishments.  Let us remember the words of the tax collector.  "Lord have mercy on me, a sinner."

As Christians, we are reformed sinners operating under the grace and love of God.  Regardless of your circumstances and accomplishments, you are a product of grace and power divine.  The almighty has bless you and kept you through so much.  But remember the words at the conclusion of the passage, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted."  Sounds somewhat paradoxical?  The challenge for today is to operate in humility as we work to edify the body of Christ,

Peace,
Karsten

Not Guilty!

The jury finds the defendant to be not guilty of the charges brought before them.  The judge then thanks the jury for their time, bangs the gavel, and adjourns the court.  As a teenager, one of the professions that bounced around my formative mind was an attorney.  We can blame Matlock, Perry Mason and The People's Court.

Do you realize that you are a threat to the kingdom of darkness and evil forces?  That is why the devil is  working so hard to take you out.  Trust me, if he could have taken you out, you would have been gone a long time ago.  Think about it, the accident in which your car was totaled, but you walked away, the infirmity, visit to the hospital and bad doctor's report, the death of a loved one, which still feels like it was just yesterday, and let's not forget the time(s) you thought that you had lost your mind. 

Unlike God, the devil is not an omniscient being, but he has enough limited knowledge to know that God has great things in store for you and your future.  That in turn, will make you a blessing to many generations.  He gets mad at that very thought.  The very fact that you woke up today is a threat to him.  He already has tricks and snares set up to throw you off from your true potential.  But thanks be to God who causes us to triumph in all things, that old devil is a liar and a defeated foe.

Did you know that in Hebrew, satan means accuser?  In the NIV Bible Revelation 12:10 says.  Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  Remember, if you are in Christ, your past won't last.  Satan is the accuser of the brethren (sisters included).  It is his job to prosecute you before the The True and Righteous Judge.  Although satan was cast down from heaven he still has access to God, otherwise, how could he accuse us?  Read the first couple chapters of Job.  Every time you see Job's name, insert your name, and watch the word work. 

As satan is our lead prosecutor, remember that Jesus is our leading defense attorney, he's already paid the debt for us, as we stand before the heavenly court chambers.  The accuser of the brethren may have an airtight case against you, but the blood of Jesus acquits you from all his accusations.  Know that when you are cross examined, the ultimate truth will come forth.  You are a new creature in Christ, embrace your acquittal and rock the world and his kingdom.

Peace,
Karsten

Got Peace?

Peace is defined as; the state prevailing during the absence of war, harmonious relations; freedom from disputes, the absence of mental stress or anxiety, and the general security of public places.  I hope that you have noticed that each time I close out a blog entry, I always bid you peace.  For today, I want to explore that portion of the definition of peace which says that peace is the absence of mental stress or anxiety.

Look at everything going on in your life right now.  Got Peace?  Think about the drama at work, the crazy children and home in general, church involvement, and trying to squeeze in time to check in on your friends.  Got Peace?  My vocal coach in college always used to tell us to "Let Go and Let God!"  Whatever you have going on in your life, and if your life is as hectic as mine, you have a lot going on, let it go and let God handle it.  You can have peace.  But is it more convenient for us to wallow and complain, rather than accepting the gift of peace that has been bequeathed to us?  Got Peace?  If not, think on the words of the old hymn, "It is well with my soul."

When peace, like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control;
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed his own blood for my soul.

The peace of the Lord always be with you!
Karsten

Godly Swagger

Urban Dictionary.com defines swagger as: (a) How one presents him or herself to the world. Swagger is shown from how the person handles a situation. It can also be shown in the person's walk.  (b) Swagger is the confidence exuded as a reflection of ones dress, shoe game, and attitude. Suffice it to say that in common ebonics, that swagger is a noun.  "Ay yo mane, I got my serious swagger on today!"

This is one of my favorite 21st Century terms.   It ranks highly with tweet, google and OMG!  However, how we present ourselves to the world and others is very important.  One of the things that was instilled in me from childhood is knowing that I am just as good as, but not better than others.  It was drilled into me to hold my head up, look confident and to not have my pants sagging.  What's your swagger?

Think about it, God wants you to have a swagger that sets you apart in a good way.  After all, you are a part of a holy nation and a royal priesthood.  Swagger goes beyond the outside, clothes, shoes and hairstyles.  It starts on the inside.  Ultimately how you view yourself is how others will see you.  Let go of the self-pity, the If I would haves, and I should haves.  There is only one you.  You may be often immitated but never ever adequately duplicated.  Psalm 139:14 reminds us: "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful."  The world is waiting on you.  Get your godly swagger on!

Peace,
Karsten

Unresolved?

Well, it's official.  We are now well into the last quarter of 2010.  Friends, anytime you look at the calendar and the duration of the months end in "ber", we're pretty much on the final stretch.  In a little more than two months, we'll be gathered together at Watch Night services, singing Auld Lang Syne or raising champagne flutes.

We are now 42 weeks into 2010, and down to day number 292.  Yeah, it snuck up on me too.  However, my question is; Did you complete those goals that you set back during the last two weeks of December?  Did you lose the weight, exercise more consistently, watch your diet, invest and save more, contribute more, became more loving?  I'm not sure what your goals were for 2010, but we have ten good weeks at least try to squeeze one or two in.

The challenge for today, is think back over 2010 up to this point, take a quick, non self-hating inventory, and make the most of what we have left in 2010.  The race is not given to the swift or the strong, but to the one that endures to the end. 

Peace,
Karsten

Like the dew in the morning...

One of my favorite Judith Christie-McAllister's (First Lady of Praise and Worship) song is "Like the Dew in the Morning."  It just simply says; Like the dew in the morning, gently rest upon my heart.  That is basically the song in the nutshell.

As you start your work week, invite the presence of God to rest on your heart.  We should transition from singing Manic Monday to Like the dew in the morning gently rest upon my heart.  It is my sincere hope that every force that has been working against you, physical and spiritual will succomb to the explosive power of God in your life.  You will have peace at home, work and in all your personal affairs.

As we begin the 42nd week of 2010, let God's presence gently rest in your heart, go before you and fight your battle.  Be still and know that he is God.

Peace,
Karsten

e x 4 = Your story

Thank God that I was not a math major!  How I got beyond college pre-calculus still baffles me to this day.  But have you ever stopped to share your story with someone?  You know that there is only one you and that your story could very well win someone over to the kingdom.  Let's face it we all have stories, some may be likened to a thriller, drama, comedy, romance or some Saturday afternoon Lifetime special, but they are unique. 

While sitting in bible study tonight, the visiting priest reminded us to share our stories with others.  We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (that's another BLOG entry).  There are four reasons why we should tell our stories, and they do not include self-pontification, bragging rights, superiority or pity.  We should tell our stories for four reasons (e x 4).

We tell our story to educate others, to equip others, to empower others and to encourage others.  In sharing our stories, we educate others about the overall goodness and awesomeness of God in our lives.  Your story when shared with others is vital for the equipping of the saints to do the work of God.  Through your story others may be equipped with an extra dose of faith.  People are empowered to look beyond themselves when they hear that they are not the only that has struggled.  Once we get over ourselves, we can encourage others when we tell our stories.  A little encouragement goes a long way.  Obviously the challenge for today is to tell your story; educate, equip, empower and encourage the saints in love.  What's your story?

Peace,
Karsten

I wouldn't take nothing for my journey

Have you ever stopped to think about your life's journey?  If not do it now, or after you've finished reading this.  I can remember as an undergraduate, I had my professional life all mapped out.  With my journalism  and Spanish studies, I was going to replace Bryant Gumble on the Today Show, and would like to have been the first male host on "The View."  Could you imagine me with Joy Behar and that blonde chick that I never pay attention to?

Ideally, if I were not teaching Spanish, I would be a professional drummer, bartender or US Ambassador to some exotic Spanish speaking country.  Needless to say, that my plans did not come to fruition, as I had planned.  I have been teaching for almost 13 years, and love every minute of it, well almost every minute.  I am very active in my church and chapel program at my job, and find it difficult to believe that I will soon be going through the nomination process for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church. 

I've lost baggage on my journey, had to switch travel partners and airlines, had to deal with gate keepers at the customs and immigration check points.  I've also had some moments of sitting on the tarmac, and waiting at the gate.  I've missed flights, busses, trains and boats.  Distractions and hindrances have impeded my journey, but they have gotten me in route to my spiritual destination.  Although this destination is not in Studio 1 with Matt, Meredith, Anne and Al.  I'm not even drumming with Sheilia E, or sliding shooters down the bar to my regulars.  But I am well on the path that God has set out for me.  He's traveled the journey before I was even thought about.  He's traveling with me now and will be there to welcome me when I get there.  I would not take nothing for my journey.  It has fortified my character, perfected my faith and led me into my divine purpose.

Peace,
Karsten

A Hump Day Prayer

Almighty and everloving God,

Thou, who orderest all things and

knowest all things.  We invoke your

presence oh God, as this week passes by

give strength to the weary, patience to the anxious

and joy to those that are depressed and down troddened.

Order our steps in your word, and

grant oh Father those desires of our hearts

both spoken and unspoken as they accord to your

will and divine purpose for our lives.

We ask that your forgiveness, mercy, grace and love

envelope us as we offer them to our fellow man.

Speak to our hearts, awaken our spirits and sustain us

through your holy power.  In Jesus' name,

Amen

KT

God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother
Motto of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Do you know who you are?

Of course you do, or at least I hope so.  I am Karsten, I am African-American, I am a male, I am a teacher, and the list goes on and on.  But that's on the surface and superficial.  It's the obvious.  But do you know who you are?  Do you?  When we look at who were are,  we tend to look at all our relationships and that's good, in fact our interactions with people define who we are.  Let's dig deeper.  In order to know who you are, it is imperative for you to know whose you are.

Do you know who you are?  In your eyes, you may be Karsten, Sarah, Robert, Kimberly, Isaiah or whoever.  But we need to look at whose we are.  We are redeemed.  We are overcomers by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.  We are not our own.  We have been preserved for this time and this hour to do the work set before us.

When we realize both who and whose we are, we recognize that we are a magnus opus.  We are children of destiny, promise and potential.  Because of who and whose we are our value as an individuals has been restored in Jesus.  We are not who we were, but rather, we are becoming who we were created to be.  Do you know who you are?  Do you know whose you are?  Realizing who and whose you are, bids us to say adieu to depression, codependence, jealousy, greed, bondage to the past, self-hatred, self pity, sickness and anything that is impeding us from reaching our true potential.  You are the salt of the earth, you have been called to be the head and not the tail.  Embrace your awareness of whose and who you are.  Great things will come to pass through you, because of who and whose you are.

Peace,
Karsten

Your mark on humanity

Have you ever thought about your mark on humanity?  Or better yet, have you thought about the impact of your presence in the lives of others?  While attending a funeral, I heard the eulogist say, that it's not the dates of sunrise and sunset (birth and death), that count, but rather the dash between the two years.  The dash represents the life that the deceased lived.

This really got me to thinking.  The dash, a simple line is representative of one's life.  How you lived, how you treated others and how you were treated by others.  I think that sometimes we forget how closely linked our lives are with the lives of others.  What is your mark on humanity?  What will the dash on your grave marker be?  Will it reflect someone that lived life with passion and gusto?  Will it tell of someone who loved both God and people?  What is your mark on humanity?

I am reminded of a song that was sung at my aunt's funeral.  The song reminds us that "Only what you do for Christ will last."  In everything that we hope to accomplish and gain out of this life, it is imperative that we remember in the grand scheme of things, that only what we do for Christ will last. Imagine how different our world would be, if everything we do is done for the overall betterment of society and the glorious manifestation of God?  What will your life's dash story tell?  Remember, only what you do for Christ will last.  What is your mark on humanity?

Peace,
Karsten

Living between

I think that one of the hardest challenges for anyone regardless of religious affiliation, is living between vision and reality.  You may have so many dreams that you want to be manifested in your life, but you're stuck in the reality of your current situations.  How then, do you understand the possibilities of your reality?  I honestly don't think that we realize our true power.  It would probably scare us.  I guess a better question would be:  How do I leave my now and get to my later?

I will answer the question with a question.  How willing are you to move beyond your comfort zone?  We may hate to admit it, but "now" feels good to us.  It is what we know, it is familiar.  But the future, with all its potential and uncertainties can be both promising and fearful, because we are constantly plagued with the "What ifs."  What if I don't get into school?  What if my Master's defense or comps don't go well?  What if I don't get a job?  What if my business fails?  What if I fail? 

What do you believe as it relates to you as a child of God?  Do you believe that God wants you to move beyond where you are now?  Do you believe that there is infinite potential at your disposal?  Do you believe that God wants you to do more than what you are doing at this very moment?  The challenge for today is:  Look beyond where you are.  Keep your eyes on the prize.  You can't plow straight and keep looking back.  There are people in your future who are waiting for you to get from your now to your later, so that you will be a blessing to them and society as a whole.  Take your current reality and navigate the course of your vision.  Remember that you can do all things through Christ, and that you have not been given a spirit of fear.  Believe beyond what you believe, and watch God move in your life.  How big is your God?  How big is your vision?  Think big and unleash your power for excellence.

Peace,
Karsten

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

Can't you just hear Mrs. Fletcher's voice in the famous tagline from the LifeCall commercial from the 80s and 90s?  I can't tell you how many times I've laughed at that commercial.  At times I would even get my grandmother to pretend to be Mrs. Fletcher, without the falling, of course. 

The scientific law of gravity states that if something goes up, it must come down.  What is it about falling that can be so embarrassing?  Believe me, I have had my fair share of trips, stumbles and ungraceful tumbles.  Just like clockwork, the first thing that I do is turn around to look to see if anyone saw me.  Sometimes I'm lucky enough to have no witnesses and move on, but other times, I've had a live studio audience having an LOL moment at my personal expense.

Have you recently had a fall?  I'm not speaking of some gravitational pull that may have caused you public or private embarrassment, but rather a spiritual distraction.  In life we all have falls, and stumbles along the way as we strive for some form of perfection.  But unlike Mrs. Fletcher in the LifeCall commercial, you may have fallen, but you may certainly get up.  The question is, do you want to get up, or continue to wallow in self-pity and other self-loathing behavior?  If you have had a trip, stumble, or perfectly landed on your sit-down piece, the good news for today is; you can get up.  There is a gospel song that reminds us that at time we may fall down, but we get up.  Your past is your past, and it won't last!  After you've gotten up from your fall, for the love of God, please help Mrs. Fletcher up off the floor.

Peace,
Karsten

If you're happy and you know it!

This has to be every preschooler's favorite song.  I know that I LOVED it, and as an adult, I still do.  Let's take a journey back to those care free childhood days.  This is a simple say and do song.  If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!  If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet!  If you're happy and you know it then you really want to show it, if you're happy and you know it clap your hands!  I just had a mental flashback to Good Hope PreSchool in Winterville, NC of me and my preschool cohorts just going at it and prancing around the classroom.

This then raises a question.  Are you happy?  Let's admit it, if you're not happy, you're probably not going to want to clap your hands, stomp your feet, shout Amen, or in any other way show it.  Simply put, happy is defined as enjoying or demonstrating pleasure.  I know that in our personal walks that we have challenges with ourselves, the spouse, the children, the colleagues and boss.  These are just the players, and not the circumstances and drama that impede our happiness.

But as the elect and called of God, is your walk indicative of demonstrated pleasure?  In your office can your colleagues tell that you have joy?  Can your students tell that you have love in your heart for your discipline, and the ones whom you serve?  Can your family members see the zeal that you have for God's kingdom?  Here's an even better question.  Do you share your joy and happiness with others?  Joy, happiness and laughter are all contagious.  Spread a little today, you and the people that you come in contact with will be glad that you did.  If you're happy and you know it, then you really ought to show it, Clap your hands!  Stomp your feet!  Shout Amen!

Peace,
Karsten

Lord, Help me to hold out!

Do you find yourself playing the waiting game?  What are you waiting on in life?  I know that one of my non-favorite activities is waiting, especially on people.  I'm reminded of this simple song from the old Baptist Church entitled, "Lord, Help me to hold out."  It goes a little like this.  Lord, help me to hold out.  Lord, Help me to hold out, until my change has come!

This song, which is typically sung by the Male Chorus, or more senior saint reminds us of two things.  First, we have to wait and endure, and secondly; our change will come.  I love this song!  In this microwave generation of instantaneous gratification, it makes waiting even the more difficult.  Think about it, most things in our society are the antithesis of patience.  There's fast food, instant messenger, email, text and the list goes on and on.  Sometimes we even try to put God and ministry into this instant miracle category.

Waiting is challenging, but the prophet Isaiah reminds us, that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  Not only will your strength be renewed because the waiting process can be tiring, but you will mount up on wings and soar like an eagle.  Whatever you're waiting for, spouse, job, deliverance from your current job, children's salvation, financial breakthrough, the wayward loved one to do right, or affirmation of your calling into the ministry whether clergy or ordained.  Remember that the Lord will help you to hold out until your change has come, or until you get your blessing or answer.  As you wait, be still and know that he is God.

Peace,
Karsten

I got ya back!

My best friend often tells me that I look as if I am ready to fight at the drop of a dime.  Well, what's wrong with an occasional brawl here and there?  I think that he realizes that when push comes to shove I got his back.  There's nothing like a ride or die friend who will be there with you come hell or high water. 

Thankfully, I've outgrown that fighting stage of my life.  But just as we have friends in the natural who have our backs, there is also a legion of heavenly hosts who have our backs.  When we are in distress, they have our back, in touble and peril, they have our back.  You have a big brother with all the company of heaven and they got yo' back.  Pardon the ebonics.

Remember, when you get tired of fighting and you've fought the good fight of faith, know that Jesus got yo' back.  Stop fighting, the  battle is not yours, but it's the Lord's.  Personally, I can say that his track record is pretty impressive.  He's been better to me, than I've been to myself, and he's got my back!  Be radical and ride or die for Jesus.

Peace,
Karsten

Speak Up!

In my twitter news feed on Friday, I saw this tweet from Max Lucado, whom I follow.  "Pentecost makes this promise: if you are in Christ, God's spirit will speak through you."  As we transition from the dog days of summer into autumn and the final stretch of Pentecost, the L O N G E S T  season of the church year, it is important to remember what happened to the early church.

God's long promised spirit was poured out on the believers and the church was born.  My rector described this as the second biblically linguistic event.  You know my inner grammarian and linguist was jumping for joy at this comment.  The first biblically linguistic event was when God haulted the progress of the construction of Babel's tower.  Up to that point, everyone spoke the same language and God jumbled up all the dialects and languages, which -- I'm glad he did, because I would probably not be employed as a Spanish teacher today.

But on the day of Pentecost, when the believers were on one accord, God poured his Spirit out on all flesh amd undid what he had done so many years ago when he confused the language.  Pentecost is an international and multicultural event, not only in Acts 2, but in our everyday lives, and it's certainly not restricted to just the church season.  Remember your power.  You are an ordinary person doing extraordinary things for the Kingdom.  Let God use you and let his Spirit flow through you and speak through you.  Speak up!  If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

Peace,
Karsten

What have you done for HIM lately? Ooooh...yeah!

As a child of the 80's, I idolized Janet Jackson.  I mean really?  My bedroom was wall papered with Word Up magazine pull out posters of Janet.  Some of Janet Jackson's hits from the 80's include; Rhythm Nation, When I think of you, Control, The Pleasure Principle and my personal favorite, What have you done for me lately?  I am bopping my head to the tune, even as I blog.

The narcissitic side of me asks this question more frequently than than I would like to admit.  There's nothing wrong with a little quid pro quo.  What have you done for me lately?  However, as I shield myself behind the cross, I am compelled to ask you and myself; What have you done for HIM lately?  Now I could bid you peace and a great day and stop blogging.  But let's think about it.  What have you done for HIM lately?

Who is the HIM?  The HIM is your very essence, your being, your connection to the universe and your fellow man.  The HIM is God.  What have you done for HIM, who wakes you up each day with a cup overflowing with grace, mercy and love?  What have you done for HIM who protects you from dangers seen and unseen?  What have you done for HIM, who; when a door is slammed in your face, he opens a window?  What have you done for HIM, who blesses you with the basic necessities of life over and over again?  What have you done for HIM lately?  Oooooh...yeah!

The challenge for today is to do something for HIM, the one who has sustained you and preserved you for such a time as this.  Need some ideas, spend extra time in prayer and meditation, give someone a smile or an encouraging word, invite someone to worship with you, tell him thank you for his many blessings.  I don't care what you do, just do something.  What have you done for HIM lately?

Peace,
Karsten

You are a piece of work!

Ever heard that in reference to you?  Normally this expression is used to describe someone as being high maintenance, or requiring a lot of effort and energy to be around.  If you really stop and think about it; You are a piece of work.  You are an "Opus Deo Dignam,"  That expression comes from Latin, and it means a work worthy of God.  You are a piece of work!

There's only one you.  Even if you have an identical twin sibling, no one else can be you, better than you.  God took time out of his hectic schedule to make sure that you had a designated time, space and place in his universe.  He also blesses us over and over again.  He calls us to build and edify his kingdom daily.  Even when we stumble along the way, or fall short, his grace is immediately in tow.  You are a piece of work!

With all your strengths, weakness, faults and shortcomings, you are a piece of work worthy of God.  There's no way around it.  You are a piece of work, that has been called and commissioned to work for the Kingdom.  There is only one you.  Be the best you that you can be.  The next time someone tells you that you are a piece of work, look them straight in the eye and tell them Thank you, God bless you, and so are you!  YOU are a piece of work!

Peace,
Karsten

The gift of enough

If you have access to this blogsite, you more than likely have your own personal computer or access to one.  While I have your attention, have you ever thought about the gift of enough?  Sure, who has everything that they really want, but if you really think about your day-to-day existence, you've always had at least enough to get by.  What is the gift of enough?

It really boils down to needs versus wants.  You need water, you want a bottle of cabernet.  You need food you want a filet mignon.  You need decent transportation, you want the newest Mercedes off the assembly line.  Don't get me wrong, if you have these things and are enjoying them, Praise God.  However in my living and encounters in various social and professional circles, I have seen people with all the previously mentioned items and more, but are still not happy.  There is no joy in their lives, no love in their homes, no peace of mind.  I guess it comes down to money being able to buy you a bed, but not sleep; a house but not a home; sex and temporary attention, but not love and affection.  You really do have enough.

When I think back over my life, I realize that there was always enough, and at times more than enough.  Growing up and even into adulthood there were always special holiday meals and family gatherings. Each year there were always gifts overflowing under the Christmas tree.  I have had some valley moments when I did have everything that I wanted or thought that I deserved, but God through his grace and mercy always had an open door for me to walk through, he always made ways out of now way.  If you don't believe me look around your house, look in your closets, your Frigidaire or Kenmore.  Look at all the technological gadgets and gidgets that you have.  Still think you don't have enough?

One of the things I love about the Lord's prayer, is that it is a powerful prayer that covers all the basic needs of Christian living.  First of all we acknowledge God as Father here on Earth and Heaven, we then reverence his name and bid that his kingdom come and that his will be down in our lives.  Then we ask that he give us food to eat daily, followed by the forgiveness of offenses and trespasses, but the caviat is that we have to forgive in order to be forgiven.   You know that ole' devil gonna ride our coat tail, and so we ask that we not be led into tempation, and deliverance from the evil one.  Then we seal the prayer by reaffirming that the kingdom, power and glory is His forever.  The challenge for today is to find two very different versions of The Lord's Prayer, recite them aloud and think about how God has not only blessed us with enough, but in many situations, more than enough.

Peace,
Karsten

Court is now in session...

All rise!  The Court of Public Opinion is now in session.  The Honorable Judge "I can do no wrong" is presiding.  The black church has been rocked by a scandolous exposé earlier this week.  From Atlanta, to Lithonia, to Dekalb, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Richmond and beyond, everybody's talking.  Yes, everybody's talking.  I was in the barber shop (the Black man's country club) earlier this week and the major topic of discussion was Bishop Eddie Long and the accusations brought forth against him.  Yes, I admit, that have been overly intrigued by this story, and my personal addition to CNN is not helping.

In just a few short hours, this man of God will face his parishoners at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for the first time since the story surfaced.  Everyone in and out of Black Christendom has an opinion and has probably stated it at some point.  None of us are perfect and before anyone starts shifting blame, pointing fingers and issuing judgement from the Courts of Public Opinion.  Let's sit back and think about our own vices.  We all have them.  I am not saying that Bishop Long is culpable or innocent.  I was not there.  Only the true and righteous Judge of all men can make that determination.

I am reminded of something my grandparents used to say all the time "Don't let your good be evil spoken of."  Meaning, in your effort to help someone, stop and think how it could be perceived by others.  Even if your intentions are good, will it portray you in a negative manner?  When it comes to leaders, whether secular or spiritual, it is important to remember that we are all works in progress.  Perfection has not been granted to any of us.  If you put someone on a pedestal, at some point the law of gravity will take over, they will fall and your expectations of them will also.  The challenge for today is to keep Bishop Long and the New Birth Church family lifted in prayer.  It's a tragic thing to watch a war hero take a fall from grace, but as the gospel artist penned a few years ago in a song, "We fall down, but we get up...for a saint is just a sinner who fell down, and got up."  Court is now adjourned.

Peace,
Karsten

That our works may find favor in your sight.

This is the congregational response to the Prayers of the People Form III in the Book of Common Prayer, used in the Episcopal Church.  The intercessor or priest says; "Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake."  Followed by the congregational response, "That our works may find favor in your sight."  This then poses the question; Are your works favorable?  Sure everyone wants to be commended on a job well done from their colleagues and superiors, but is the work that we are called to do favorable in the eyes of God?  It's something to ponder, huh?

Whatever your vocation, student, teacher, priest, fortune 500 CEO, attorney, doctor, artist or politician, we have been endued with a level of grace in which to function in those capacities to the glory of God and overall betterment of society.  Are your works favorable?  Do you acknowledge and accept the fact that there is a force far greater than your limitations and intellect at work in you and through you?  Do you purpose in your heart to do your job to the glory of God that someone else may be blessed in the process?  Are your works favorable?  Just as the human body has many parts that function independently, they all have a common goal and purpose, to enable us to function in society and give God glory.

I love Form III of the Prayers of the People, there is nothing left out.  The prayer begins with an intercession for the Church-at-large, the membership of the church.  Then the prayer transitions into the church leadership (bishops, priests, deacons and ministers), the national government, and other nations as well as peace, the bereaved and distressed, and those that have gone from labor to reward.  The challenge for today is to take time and evaluate whether or not if your works are favorable, both seculary and spiritually.

"Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake,
That our works may find favor in your sight."

Are your works favorable?

Peace,
Karsten

The U - Turn

Have you ever been walking toward someone and you say to yourself "(four-letter word) there's so and so!  I don't feel like being bothered.  I don't have time for no sad singing and flower bringing."  You were probably in a good mood and then suddenly, upon seeing that person your happy-go-lucky smile vanished into a tight-lipped grimace.  To make it worse, you pray that the person didn't see you.  You then do one of the following things; make an immediate u-turn, pull out your mobile, or blackberry and send an imaginery text, or you take a non-incoming phone call.  Go ahead and laugh at yourself, because I've done all of the above.

I often tell myself that I never want to be the person, when people look up and see me coming, they immediately say oh (four-letter word)!  There's Karsten, and I don't feel like being bothered with him today.  First of all, I am a big fan of laughter.  You burn more calories laughing than you do looking as if you've had a glass of haterade mixed with sour limeade.  I really want people to feel better about themselves and their situations when I leave, even if only for a few seconds.  One thing's for sure, they will remember that they got a good laugh, sometimes at my personal expense.

But the world is full of Debbie Downers, Negative Nancys and Jaded Judys.  Often times when we see them coming, we immediately begin to think of an excuse as to what we have to do and why we can't stay where we are to hear from them.  However, did you ever stop to think that you could be an instrument of peace to speak and bring order out of a chaotic situation that they may be in?  We never know what someone is going through.  Paul Lawrence Dunbar said it best, "We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes."  People are hurting and they are walking around in a masquerade as if eveything is A-Okay!  Trust me I know.  I have a great masquerade facade.  As the opportunity presents itself, don't do the U-turn, tap into your gifts, and repair the broken hearted.  Edify your brother or sister.  Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Someone may have to do it for you one day, and it may be the very person that you made an earlier impartation into.

Peace,
Karsten

World Peace Day 2010

Yesterday was World Peace Day.  Ironically it also coincided with the Feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist, in the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches.  What is peace?  The Latin word for peace is pax, thus we get la paz in Spanish.  Peace is defined as a state prevailing during the absence of war, harmonious relations, freedom from disputes, the general security of public places and a treaty to cease hostilities.

But do we really have peace?  I don't mean peace on earth and goodwill to all men.  I'm talking about peace of mind, peace in your home and peace among your neighbors and colleagues.  In 21st century living we are constantly on the go.  We are bombarded by email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, work, school, the kids, the spouse or insignificant other, and our social lives.  Got Peace?  Before we can even ask do we have peace, we have to determine if we want peace.  Want peace?

In most churches we pass the peace of God to each other right before Mass or the Holy Communion, as a sign that we are walking in love and charity with our neigbors.  In most non-liturgical based denominations, the peace is passed every Sunday by a simple hug or handshake.  One of my favorite Christmas carols is "Let there be peace on earth."  This song invokes or calls for peace, but the writer of the song took it a step further and said; Let peace begin with me.  That is so powerful.

As an instrument of peace you have the potential to call order out of chaos, you can bring light and love to the dark places of this cruel and hateful world.  One of my favorite passages from the New Testament comes from John 14.  My grandmother used to quote the first part of this chapter when distressed or in bleak situations.  In this chapter Jesus is speaking with his disciples, St. Matthew being in the group somewhere.  He said to them "Let not your hearts be troubled."  However near the end of that same chapter, Jesus left us a bequest of peace saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  Got Peace?

Pax,
Karsten

The Giant Slayer

What are some of the giants in your life?  You know, those issues or people that you'd rather not discuss.  I think about my giants often.  Yes, I do have them.  We all do.  A giant typically is a person or some inanimate object magnified times 10,000.  For the first time in about five years, I am teaching freshmen again.  I think that in the eyes of 13 and 14 year old students, barely reaching five feet in height, that I may be a giant for them, after all I do stand over six feet in height.  My class may also prove to be a giant for them as well.

One of my favorite Old Testament stories is about David and Goliath.  Yes, I was the dorky Sunday School kid with a Bible coloring book.  I wonder what happened to it?  In the book of First Samuel, we are told the story of David, Jessie's boy, the ruddy and courageous shepherd who had the courage to face Goliath the Giant of Philistia, who had defiled Isreal.  Goliath was a big man, maybe big in an understatement.  But David in the previous chapter had been anointed King of Isreal by Samuel. 

One day Goliath was out on the battlefield talking smack and King Saul's army was afraid and just letting Goliath talk all over them and threaten them.  So word got down to David.  In his childlike faith, he knew that he could take the Giant down.  So armed with his staff, shepherd's bag, five smooth stones from the brook, and a sling, he went to meet the adversary.  Upon getting on the scene, David couldn't even put on Saul's armor.  It was too heavy for him.  But that didn't stop him.  He boldly told Goliath, that he would fall into his hands.  Goliath scoffed and laughed at the lad.  Next thing you know David drew back his sling and socked him right between the eye socket with one of his stones, killing him instantly.  Read I Samuel 17, it's an awesome story.

Whatever your giant is, grab your rod of faith (staff), your Shepherd's bag, it may be some type of clutch, Prada, Coach or a manbag, grab your smooth stones which are representative of your hope in God and sling those bad boys right between the eyes socket of your giant.  Whatever your giant is, depression, alcoholism, low self-esteem, greed, guilt, sickness, lonliness, drug addiction, peer pressure, debt,  I hereby commission you as a Giant Slayer for the Kingdom.  Your giant will come down.  But, you have to be courageous enough to approach it.

Peace,
Karsten