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