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

Nothing from nothing leaves nothing...

My mom always said that the oldest equation is nothing from nothing leaves nothing.  Think about it.  You get out of this life and the lives of others, what you put into it.  Just like I tell my students, if you don't diligently study, how on earth do you think you can recall the information come test day?

One of my favorite proverbs is, "He that has friends, show himself friendly."  If you don't put anything into the relationships that you have with others, friends, family or colleagues; How can that be an equally balanced and fruitful relationship?  As humans, we are socially inclined entities, meaning that we need the company and friendship of each other.  Hezekiah Walker said it best in his song; "I need you to survive."

The same can be said about our relationship with God.  I absolutely love the motto of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother.  This simple slogan is indicative of our relationships with God, Jesus, the Lord of Life and our advocate, as well as the relationship that we have with our fellow man.  The challenge for today is to spend time with someone, be fervent in prayer.  Seven days without prayer makes one weak.  Put something into the pot.  If you don't you'll be left with nothing, because nothing from nothing leaves nothing.

Peace,
Karsten

When you think, you thank!

TGIF!  Thank God it's FRIDAY!  I don't know about you, but this has been a long week.  But it zipped by at times though.  When you think, you thank!  The first time I heard this saying, it was while being ministered to by one of my spiritual Sheroes, the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Presiding Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District). 

I am very thankful that today is Friday, and for having a couple days off from work.  But when you think about life and all its obstacles and challenges, you can't help but thank God for his goodness.  Let's try it! When you think about the time that you were sick, and you were healed, you thank HIM!  When you think about the time you had more bills coming in than money, but they all got paid, you thank HIM!  When you think about you think about when you didn't have a job, and now you have one, even with your crazy boss and coworkers you thank HIM!  When you think about how he kept you from getting in a car accident, you thank HIM!  When you think about how he blesses and protects you and yours everyday, even though you don't deserve it, you thank HIM!  When you think about how he was your lawyer in the courtroom, and your doctor in the sickroom, you thank HIM! 

When you think of his goodness and all that he's done for you, your very soul ought to cry out HALLELUJAH, thank God for saving me!  He's just been so good!  When I think on this week, this day, this hour, this minute, I can't help but thank HIM!  It's through no goodness of my own that I am here.  The challenge for today is simple; Think and Thank!  But some of us coming from a more Baptist culture may add something else to it, Think, thank and shout!  HALLELUJAH!  TGIF!

Peace,
Karsten

Your autobiography

Have you ever wondered what your autobiography would read like?  Would it make it to Oprah's Book Club?  To whom would you dedicate your book?  Who would you include on your thank you page?  Who would write the preface or foreword?  Is your life so interesting and impactful that the Motion Picture Association and Hollywood would take interest?  Which high profile actor or actress would play you?  Who would play your spouse, best friend, children, parents?

In some narcissistic way, I have thought about this.  My autobiography would be dedicated to the Glory of God and to my paternal grandparents and my mother.  I have not given too much thought about who would write the preface and foreword.  However, Derek Luke would be the actor to reinact my life.

We all have a story.  We've all had mountain top and valley low moments.  But thanks be to God, that someone was there to encourage us.  Some of us maybe even had to encourage ourselves.  Sometimes we may appear to be "ballin' and shot callin" in the eyes of our friends.  We may appear that we have it going on, but may be at our breaking point.  In all of this, never be apologetic to anyone for the blessings that you have recieved in life.  Always be thankful and appreciative for them.  Remember your source because it didn't have to be this way.

Most people see our glory, but they don't know the whole story.  In other words, they did not see the low points, they didn't see the struggle.  Congratulations! You made it through.  The challenge for today is to manifest the glory of the Almighty, as you pen your story.

Peace,
Karsten

Charity begins at home

I think that the Spanish teacher in me tends to be hypersensitive about international tradgedies.  My heart is always pulled by the less fortunate, especially our brothers and sisters in third world countries.  Why is it that people can only seem to come together in times of tragedy?  Don't get me wrong, I am glad that people do step up in these difficult times.

There are many events both domestic and international in which we see the compassion of our fellow man in action, some of which include the 2004 Tsunami, The 2001 World Trade Center attack, Hurricane Katrina and the Hatian Earthquake of 2010.  I love it when we can come together and help our friends across the waters, but what about us?  It's difficult to have a global impact without a local impartation.

How is it that one of the world's youngest and wealthiest countries has a declining education system?  Why are there more African American young men incarcerated than in schools and universities?  Why is it that we value entertainment over intellect?  Our local , state and federal systems are broken and are in need of desparate repair and attention.  What are you doing to make a difference?  Are you a part of the problem (the naysayers and complainers), or are you a part of the solution?  The challenge for today is to identify a local need in your community; mentoring, motivational speaking, spending time with the elders, tutoring, or coaching; whatever it is, just do it, and encourage someone else to do so as well.  It only takes a spark to get a fire going.  How can you have a global impact without a local impartation?

Peace,
Karsten

It only takes a spark

One of my favorite childhood memories is Vacation Bible School and Youth Sunday at church.  My favorite song to sing in youth groups is Kurt Kaiser's "Pass it on."  The song goes like this.  It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it, You'll spread the love to everyone, you'll want to pass it on.  I'll shout it from the mountain top!  I want the world to know, the Lord of love has come to me I want to pass it on.  I can still see myself linked arm in arm with the cohorts from my youth without being jaded and just simply a carefree child.  Those were the days.

When we think of the concept of love, it can be so layered.  We have the love of self, the love of our fellow man and relatives, as well as the love of our significant other.  However God has a love for us that surpasses our human understanding.  This type of love is described as agápe in Greek.  This is the love type which is so beautifully described in I Corinthians 13, or the Love Chapter of the Bible.  This love is sacrificial in nature, unassuming and reflects the love that one has for their children. 

I'm reminded of another song that tells us that love is something when you give it away.  The challenge for today is to ignite a spark of love and pass it along to someone that may be undeserving or without merit.  After all, that's what God did for us, and you should pass it on.  Live, laugh and LOVE with every fiber of your being.  Now these three remain, faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.

Peace,
Karsten

Damaged and Delivered

Have you ever thought about after all the things that you've been through, that you're still here?  Why?  The answer is quite simple.  Regardless of your past, you have been preserved for such a time as this.  Truth be told, we're all damaged goods.  I would liken this to taking a trip on an airplane.  Some people can whiz through the airport and not have to check their bags.  Some of us normally have so much baggage that we have to pay extra just to check it.  The baggage represents our issues of life.

We're on a journey, sometimes when we fly, our baggage may or may not arrive.  Sometimes when we get it, it may even be damaged upon claim or delivery.  At some point we have been repositories of damaging things in our lives but we made it.  Let's see, there was the failed marriage, the foreclosure, the idiot that left me, the strained relationship with my so-called friends, and maybe even family. 

One of my favorite stories of endurance comes from the Old Testament.  In the book of Job, we are told the story of a wealthy man from Ur, who had a wife, ten children, and a good relationship with God.  This man was Job.  Job was just living and he normally does, and then life happened.  He lost everything, possessions, children and livestock.  But he still had a circle of doubtful friends and a more than irritated wife.  Although Job lost everything tangible, he did not lose his faith.  On the outside, he may have been damaged, but in the midst of his test and storm, he trusted and believed that he would be delivered.  Job prayed for his friends and probably his wife too.  At the end of the story, Job was restored and had more than what he had at the beginning and he was blessed with more children.

You too, may have had a Job moment on your journey, but remember that you are damaged and delivered.  You are delivered from verbal and physical abuse.  You are delivered from infirmities of the body.  You are delivered from financial oppression.  You are delivered from the naysayers and your enemies.  If the enemy could have had his way, you would have been gone a long time ago.  You have been divinely preserved for such a time as this.  You are damaged and delivered.  Now walk in your deliverance.

Peace,
Karsten

Church, Mosque, Synagogue, who cares anyway?

Yesterday was the ninth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center.  As much of a news junkie and aficionado that I am, I purposefully avoided watching the news yesterday.  I just didn't want to relive the images that I have tried too hard to delete from memory.  Then you have the pastor from Florida, who fortunately for us; decided not to burn the Qur'an.  Our Muslim brothers and sisters have just completed there observance of the holy season and Ramadan and our Jewish brothers and sisters are celebrating Yom Kippur and last week celebrated Rosh Hashanah.  As for us Christians, there's nothing too special going on with us.  We are celebrating the longest season in our church calendar, Pentecost, or as the Church of Rome calls it Ordinary Times.  However, there is nothing ordinary about our God.  The Almighty is EXTRAORDINARY!

Christianity, Islam and Judaism are all monotheistic religions.  We are more similar than different.  However our differences have caused wars, hatred, and just plain cruelty.  We all believe in God, to some he's Yahweh, Allah or simply God.  Some of us choose to worship on Fridays, some on Saturdays and some on Sundays (we really love the weekend).   All groups honor the Bible (or parts of it) as holy scripture.  Our Muslim brothers and sisters tend to view the Bible as historic text, which it is, as opposed to the holy inspired word of God.  For Jews, the Bible for them stops at the Book of Malachi.  The issue of Jesus is a whole different caviat.  For Christians, Jesus is the essence of our belief.  For Muslims, he was a good guy and a prophet.  The Jews are still waiting on the Messiah to come.  Nevertheless, all three of these religious groups are bound together by their common patriarch, Abraham.

All three of these groups honor the Golden Rule "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you."  Also, followers of Jainism and Hinduism have some type of Golden Rule reference in their holy writings.  We are more similar than different.  The sooner we realize this and accept it for what it truly is, we'll be okay.  The COEXIST concept is rooted in the Golden Rule.  If we treat others as we want to be treated, there may be peace and justice on this earth, our fragile, island home.  Whether you're going to church today, went to temple yesterday or concluded Ramadan at the end of the week, peace and blessings be unto you! 
Shalom,
Karsten

Who mentored you?

Have you ever thought about the people on your journey that helped you get to where you are now?  If we are really honest with ourselves, none of us magically arrived to this junction in life.  Along the way we were blessed or possibly sidetracked by people who have assisted us in getting where we are.  The question for today is two-fold.  Who mentored you, and who have you mentored?

The definition for mentor is someone who serves as a teacher or trusted counselor.  In Greek, the word mentor is rooted in a word which means enduring, and can be defined as a sustainable relationship between a youth and an adult.  We even see evidence of this in Greek mythology with Mentor, Mentor was a friend of Odysseus and tutor of Telemacchus.  I have been blessed with several mentors, primarily professional and spiritual in nature.  I often go to these indivuals when I am in need of counsel, in times of jubilation, trial or just to simply say hello and thank you for being a part of my life.  I've even been fortunate enough to serve as a mentor to up and coming teachers trying to find their way in the business of educating young people.  Mentoring occurs naturally through friendship, collegiality, teaching and coaching.  Who's your mentor?  Who have you mentored?

Throughout history, there have been countless people that have been mentored by someone.  Let's see Elisha was mentored by Elijah.  The Blessed Virgin Mary was mentored by her cousin Elizabeth.  Susan B. Anthony was mentored by Elizabeth Cady Staton, who was in turn was  mentored by Lucretia Mott, a Quaker Minister and abolitionist.  Malcolm X served as a mentor to Minister Louis Farrakhan.  We even see examples of mentoring on the silver screen in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, as Harry Potter is mentored by Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane).  The challenge for today is; if your mentor(s) is (are) still alive, reconnect with them.  They would be thrilled to hear from you.  If you serve as a mentor to someone, check on them.  They may need an encouraging word or exhortation that only you can give, through the relationship that you have established.  If you don't have a mentor, find one.  You are not in the struggle alone.  Who's your mentor?  Who have you mentored?

Peace,
Karsten

Book burning?

You know books now days are expensive.  They have always been expensive.  Try going to Barnes and Noble and buying 2 hardback books for less than $50.  I was thinking back to my undergraduate days, and next to tuition, and room/boarding, my textbooks came in at number three on the list for my college expenses. 

What the heck is the deal with this Gainesville, FL pastor Terry Jones wanting to burn the Qu'ran on September 11th?  Don't get me wrong, I am very much Christian, but where does he get off?  Maybe it's the Episcopalian in me, but to those (our brothers and sisters) that practice Islam, the Qu'ran is very sacred, as is the Holy Bible and the Book of Common Prayer is for me.  The Islamic faith community in Gainsville has tried to reach out to him on two separate occasions to reason together and hash out their differences.  For crying out loud!  The Muslims can't even enjoy the holy season of Ramadan in peace.  To me, this is the equivalancy of some Muslim priest (imam) deciding that they want to burn the New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.  We cannot allow ourselves to get caught up on the misdoings of some muslims and lump them in the same category.

I've actually thought about this at length.  There have been some Christians who in the name of Christianity and Christendom have done some pretty bad things.  How about the leaders of the Crusades, or Holy Wars during the Middle Ages?  Oh, remember David Koresh down in Texas?  My absolute favorite is the Not-So-Reverend Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple in San Fransisco, who also led a mass suicide in Guyana.  Seriously, why can't we all just get along, or simply coexist?  I love the Islamic culture, as it heavily impacts the Spanish language and culture.  Just as much as I love Islamic culture, I equally love a good BBQ sandwhich.  But, none of the imams are trying to burn down Parker's or Clyde Cooper's BBQ.  Regardless of how many lunatic suicide bombers there are, or whatever goes on in the Middle East or here stateside, my charge as a child of God is to love them and respect the differences between us.  The challenge for today is, don't make assumptions about an entire group of people based on the antics and illdoings of a couple of miguided souls.

Peace,
Karsten

Testing 1-2-3...Testing!

The word test means many things to different people.  It could be a test of the Emergency Broadcast System.  For some of us, it can be a trial of some type, for others it could be a practice or rehearsal for a concert, play, ceremony or show.  For others of us it could be when we are required to produce a level of knowledge or competence in written or spoken form.  For my students, it is simply a state of pending doom.  The Spanish word for test, la prueba comes from the infinitive probar, which means to put to test, to try, to sample.  However, let's not forget that before any type of test, there has to be a period of preparation.

I'm reminded of this past spring, my seniors took their exam on a Saturday morning.  Not particularly wanting to be at work at 8:45 on a Saturday morning, I had to do something to lighten the load.  As my students were coming in the classroom, I started singing the gospel song "This is only a test."  It goes like this..."This is only a test you're going through, it's gonna be over real soon, keep the faith.  Don't give up.  It's only a test."  My favorite part of the song is the vamp when the tenors sing "Hold on, be strong.  It's only a test."

Imagine the looks that I got from thirty groggy 18 year-olds who didn't want to be there on a Saturday as much as I did.  But after reassuring them that their final examination was the last hurdle of my class between them and their diploma, there was a great calm in the classroom.  I'm not saying that your current test will be your last test, but hold on, be strong.  It's only a test.  It will be over real soon.  Remember that in the midst of your test, you have nothing over your head, but victory under your feet.  I hope you ACE the test!

Peace,
Karsten

Watch out for the ANTs!

It's Labor Day and I'm sure that you all have gone to cookouts, pool parties, family reunions and other outdoor activities, as we mourn summer's passing.  Me personally, I've gone to two outdoor functions over the weekend.  I was watching Dr. Jamal Bryant, an AME pastor, on TV.  I've visited his church in Baltimore and have seen him in Raleigh.  Regardless of what the media says, he has a good message.  Sometimes people get so caught up on the appearance of the messenger, that they lose sight of the message.

The word of caution today comes from Dr. Bryant.  It's simple. In all our outdoor functions and gatherings, Watch out for the ANTS!  ANTs stand for automatic negative thoughts.  We experience them on a daily basis, and multiple times at that.   Friends, recognize that your feelings are in direct correlation to your thoughts.  One of my favorite proverbs is, "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."  Get your thoughts together and beware of the ANTs!  ANTs can come from friends, family and of course, enemies. 

The challenge for today is to get over your ANTs and anything that is blocking you from your true potential.  Live your life with no regrets and vow to no longer be incarcerated by your mind.  Your mind is powerful, it can process over 650,000 thoughts in 24 hours.  Imagine if all of them or at least 100,000 of them were positive.  Remember that there is a war on the inside of you.  Fight the good fight of faith and you will come out victoriously.  Happy Labor Day!

Peace,
Karsten

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Because of N.C. State's football victory over Western Carolina University yesterday, I am a fairly contented alum and member-at-large of the Wolfpack.  Hopefully, this will not be our only victory this season (hint-hint to Coach O'Brian).  However, I'm going to take us back to a time in our childhood.  The story of the Three little pigs have lots of memorable quotes.  "Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin, I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down."  My question to you is Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

You know the story, three little pigs leave home in search of fortunes and their lot in life.  They each built houses, one from straw, one from sticks and another from bricks.  Then their adversary the big bad wolf of the forest came about with his chest all puffed up saying "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!"
He was successful with the straw and stick houses, but was not successful when he rolled up on the brick house.

The brick house had a firm foundation.  The lesson in this childhood story is, that brick house represents our faith.  Needless to say, the enemy will come, huffing and puffing, but our faith should be as strong and resistent as the brick foundation.  That's not to say that we won't shake and tremble in our faith, but ultimately, we'll be left standing and will not be blown down.  The challenge for today is to build your hope and faith on things eternal and hold to God's unchanging hand.

Peace,
Karsten

Look where he's brought me from!

Have you ever thought about this?  Have you ever had a moment when you think about how good the Almighty has been to you?  I do, quite frequently.  I can remember my first years of teaching and getting my hard earned monthly stipend, only to discover that I had more month than money.

If you really think about it, we all can think of times in our lives when things have not been as well as they are.  Let's face it, in the 21st century, some of us have amassed more than our parents and definately our grandparents.  I'm blown away sometimes when I walk in my closet, at all the shoes, suits and Ralph Lauren gear, and yet there are people that don't even have the basic neccesities of life.  Even in all that that I've accomplished, through God's infinite grace, sometimes I still feel inadequate.

Remember that where ever you are on the journey, think about where he's brought you from, and that someone out there would just love to be in your shoes or situation, even if only for a day.  The challenge for today is to think of whose you are, where you are, where you're going and how far you've come.  You may get flooded with emotions.  But in the grand scheme of things; Life is good -- and we truly have a lot to be thankful for.  Have a Happy Weekend as you rest from your labors!

Peace,
Karsten

Earl

One of my favorite songs from the old Baptist Church and the Church of God in Christ goes like this.  "There's a storm out over the ocean, and it's moving this a way.  If your soul's not anchored in Jesus, you will surely drift away."  Yes, there is a storm out in the Atlantic named Earl.  One of the things I can remember about growing up near the North Carolina Crystal Coast is hurricane season.  There have been plenty of hurricanes that have rocked our socks.  Let's see; there was Hugo, Andrew, Bertha, Fran and Floyd.  Fran and Floyd are the two most memorable storms. 

I was an undergraduate at NC State University when Hurricane Fran made landfall as far inland as Raleigh and Greensboro.  The weird thing about Fran was that she got stronger as she ripped through the coastal plains and inland areas of our state.  Floyd on the other hand, was Greenville's own Katrina.  The low lying areas of my hometown near East Carolina University and the Tar River were flooded for a long time.  Thank God that my mom's house is on high ground. 

Just as there are natural storms and disasters, how do we prepare for the storms of life?  For us, our life lesson storms are like storms back in the day before the radar and doppler 2000.  We just had a lighthouse  and our intuition.  We've known about Hurricanes Earl and Fiona for almost a week now.  But when the storms of life come at us, often times we may not have a week's notice.  Remember that you are in one of three places in relation to a storm.  You are about to enter a storm, in the storm or have just gotten out of a storm. 

What do you do in these storm pending scenarios?  If you are anticipating a storm, the only thing that you can do, is watch, wait and prepare.  If you are in the storm, just stand still and know that it will pass, and the sun will come out again.  If you've just gotten out of a storm, begin the rebuilding process, physical, mental and spiritual and thank God that you got over.  Batten down the hatches!  Wonder if they'll ever be a Hurricane Karsten?

Peace in the midst of your storm,
Karsten

Why me?

You ever have one of those days when EVERYTHING goes wrong?  You overslept.  The car won't start.  The children and pets are tripping out hard.  You get to work, late of course, and suddenly remember that you left your lunch at home.  Then, the spouse or insignificant other starts acting crazy too.  The list goes on and on.

In times like these remember that you can have peace and order in the middle of a semi-chaotic situation.  I think that the more appropriate question would be; Why not me?  Tests, and trials come our way to make us strong in faith and persistent in patience.  Surprisingly enough, the Greek word for test is peirasmos, which means test or trial, by means of trouble, conflict, confrontation or persecution.

Does this mean that on test days, my students think that I am persecuting or afflicting them in some written or spoken manner?  Perhaps, but know that your true potential will not come out until you've stood the test in the pressure cooker.  Remember that you cannot have a TESTimony, without having gone through a test.

Peace,
Karsten