Monday, August 22, 2011

What's your story?

You know everyone loves a good story from time to time, whether it be fiction, non-fiction, extreme hyperbole, or soap operas for more dramatic effects.  I remember in grade school, my favorite activity outside of recess was story time.  When Peter Cobb spoke to the faculty at work last year, he mentioned that we should begin our meetings with story time.  It is a good break from the norm to hear an inspirational story from our Dean of Faculty or another faculty member.

However the essential question for today is:  What's your story?  We all have one.  There are trials, happy times, victories, losses, follies, and the list goes on and on.  I believe that others are strengthened when we share our authentic stories with them.  They may laugh, they may cry or just shake their head.  Just last night, I was telling a good friend of mine some stories from my high school years shortly after I had gotten my driver's license and my first car.  We were both cracking up at my adolescent follies.  Those were some happy times. 

Honestly, all of my stories don't elicit laughter, some bring a stupor of melancholy, some elicit an immediate, "Thank you, Jesus!"  Beloved, all of our stories have formed us into who we are at this moment.  You are the leading man or lady of the story of your life.  You may be at a point where you are not liking how your story is unfolding, pick up the pen and rewrite your script.  Take control, the choices we make today will be the backdrop for the tomorrows and the next years of our stories.  Your story has an Oscar winning cast with you as the Senior Writer, God, the Executive Director, Jesus, the Producer and the Holy Spirit, the Editor:  I have no doubt that we'll see each other standing outside the Kodak Theatre on the red carpet.  Share your story with someone, you never know who needs to hear it and who might be transformed and empowered by your story.  "We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony."

Peace,
Karsten

Friday, August 19, 2011

Got Education?

James 1:5 says "If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  As an adult I grew to love this scripture.  I can recall as a child my after school childcare provider Mrs. Pauline Knox.  At that time, I was about 6 years old and Mrs. Knox was well into her 70's.  Mrs. Know lived down the street from my family and would watch me from after school until about 5:30 when my mother got off work.  She did this for a couple years and once my grandparents retired, I decided to hang out with them in the afternoons.  Besides making a killer lemon pound cake, Mrs. Know was a retired school teacher and preacher.  She was the first to tell me the story of Jesus and Nicodemus from John's gospel, she confirmed what I had learned from the catechism in school and Youth Baptist Training Union and Sunday School.  In many ways, she was like a third grandmother to me.

One thing that Mrs. Knox told me that always stuck with me was: "Learn everything that you can, because what you have in your head, man can't take away from you.  They can take your things, but they can't take your mind."  She said this often.  As a six-year-old child it sounded good, but as an adult that has gone through college, and little bit of graduate school and now a teacher myself, I know it to be true.  I am at a point where I realize that intellect is truly a gift from God.  The ability to reason, think, analyze and problem solve should not be taken for granted.  I am also thankful for the people that have poured and deposited their knowledge and intellect into me.  There are some that still continue to do so.  Learning is a lifelong process, and I believe that it is something that does not stop when one attains membership into the AARP, or professionally retires. 

My Mama always says: "There's nothing worse than an educated fool."  Talk about an oxymoron.  I'm sure that we've crossed paths with a few of them from time to time.  The challenge for today is to embrace your intellect.  Celebrate your knowledge and continue to expand your knowledge base in areas which may be new to you.  Don't stop learning, because learning never ends.  "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity."  Proverbs 2: 6 & 7

Peace,
Karsten

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Let's not get weary...

I can remember as a child, I would complain about being tired and my Grandpa James would tell me "Boy you too young to be tired."  Not knowing what he meant, I would mutter to myself, "No, I'm not:"  hoping that my grandfather who had aged, but was still significantly bigger and stronger than I, had not heard me.  The irony is that I find myself saying the same thing to young people that my Grandpa James told me, whether they are students, kids from church or family members.

You know some times you just get sick and tired of frankly being sick and tired.  You get tired of work.  You get tired of school.  You get tired of the significant or insignificant other.  You get tired of the kids and the pets.  You get tired of yourself at times.  Sometimes at work you want to just cuss that co-worker or boss out in Jesus' name.  But that would be foolish, given the scarcity of jobs in 2011.  Sometimes you get tired of taking the high road or being the bigger person.  We all get sick of it, myself included.  In fact if we did'nt get tired physically or in these situations, it would negate our humanity. 

Beloved in Paul's letter to the church at Galatia, he urged us not to get tired.  In order to get a full understanding of the word, read all of Galatians Chapter 6.  I want to focus on verses 9 and 10 of chapter 6.  "And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."  It may be more convenient to not do the right thing, but if we hold out and do what we know is right, we will be rewarded in due time.  When is due time?  You'll have to ask the Father of Eternity.  One thing that I've come to realize about God's timing is that it doesn't always fit my schedule, it often intrudes on something that I have planned.  He's never late and he's always on time.  There's a song that the older saints used to sing. 

"He's an on time God, yes he is!  He may not come when you want him, but he'll be there right on time, He's an on time God, yes he is!"  Friends, as Spike Lee used to say "Do the right thing!"  Do the right thing, don't give up, God's got your back.  Let's not get weary in well doing!

Galatians 6:  http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gal&c=6

Peace,
Karsten

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Love is the reason...

Love is the reason.  I feel like stepping back to my Baptist roots, indulge me please.  In 1997, the Sidney A. Locks Mass Choir of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, NC recorded a CD.  I was really hyped about this CD for two reasons.  (1.) I went to the live in-house recording and (2.) my cousin Melanie, who had just relocated from Milwaukee was a part of the choir and had a solo on the CD.  It's rare that I love any CD in its entirety, but I love that CD, and for the life of me cannot find my copy.

One of my favorite songs on the CD is "Love is the Reason."  It is the first song on the CD and is preceded by a word of exhortation on love, from Pastor Sidney A. Locks.  Beloved, in all things, remember that "Love is the reason."  You are here because of love.  You have been sustained and preserved for these sordid times that try the souls of men because of love.  You are who you are because of love.  Simply put, you are, because of God's love and mercy shown toward you.  There are several interpretations and significances for love in Greek, but the term that I would say summarizes this concept of love that we have is "Agape."  Agape means unconditional love for everything.  As with any gift we receive, it is important that we acknowledge the one who gave the gift and that we pass it on and share it with others. 

Love is the Reason:  Gregory Horton
Love is the reason I'm here today
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.
And the son gave his life for you and for me,
when he suffered, bled and died on Calvary.

And the banner over this church is love, is love!
Oh the banner over this church
Oh the banner over this church
Jesus is the banner over this church and it's love.

And the banner over my church is love, is love!
Oh the banner over my church is love!
Love is the reason, the reason I live this life!

Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord, knowing that "Love is the reason!"

Peace,
Karsten

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

For Every Mountain

One of my absolute favorite gospel songs is "For Every Mountain" from Kurt Carr's 1997 CD No one else.  This powerful song, full of crescendos and modulations is lead by Yvette Williams of the Kurt Carr Singers, brings me to tears and deep contemplation of the awesomenss of God everytime I hear it. 

For every mountain, you've brought me over
For every trial, you've seen me through
For every blessing -- Hallelujah, for this I give you praise.

I've got so much to thank God for.
So many wonderful blessings and so many open doors.
A brand new mercy, along with each new day
That's why I praise you, and for this I give you praise.

For waking me up this morning
For starting me on my way
For letting me see the sunshine of a brand new day
That's why I praise you -- For this I give you praise.

You're Jehavah Jireh
You've been my provider
So many times You've met my need
So many times you've rescued me
That's why I praise you -- For this I give you praise.

For every mountain, you've brought me over
For every trial, you've seen me through
For every blessing -- Hallelujah, for this I give you praise.

Beloved, many times life is like climbing a mountain.  You will have so mountain top experiences which would have proven to be impossible through your own efforts, but with God the impossible becomes possible.  You will have some valley low moments in which you may feel desserted.  But just as every day has a beginning and end; so will the mountain that you're climbing at this moment.  You may have tears in your eyes, but realize that weeping only endures for a night, but joy will come with the morning light.  Psalm 139 reminds us that there is no place where God is not present.  Whether you're on the mountain top, the valley or somewhere in the middle, know that God is there with you.  Check out the youtube link.

For Every Mountain:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUaGoS2LW5g

Peace,
Karsten

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Why me?

If you're like me, you've probably had some points in your life when you just threw your hands up and said "Why me?  This is a very common refrain once we've reached our breaking point and just don't know what to do.  Let me ask you this.  Have you ever thought about this?  Why not you?   I believe that things happen, whether good or bad, to make us stonger.  My grandfather James used to say.  "What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger."  I can agree with that statement.  Why not you?

I talked to a friend of mine on the phone recently.  This guy has been through it.  The economy has certainly beaten him down, as he would have you to believe.  He's coming up on his 29th month of being unemployed, or better yet underemployed, but is aggressively pursuing work.  So rather than engage in a pity party with him, because I have my own issues to confront. I just decided to unleash a firey EpiscoBaptist sermon loose on him.  I did let him get some things off his chest, shortly thereafter, I just took an opportunity and stood in my kitchen pulpit.  I told him:  Yeah it sucks that you don't have a job and I could not imagine myself being unemployed for 29 months.  Yeah, it sucks that you've been on eight interviews in a month with nothing positive to report, but you are not alone.  There are millions of Americans singing your same blues.  You have to look at this through two lenses.  (1.) I have no job, I can't get a job.  I give up.  (2.) You can say OMG, I have not worked in 29 months.  God has favored me and is still blessing me.  I still have housing, my car and I've even had health challenges along the way, but through it all, God is still good! 

I'm not sure what your situation is, but remember that there is someone out there worse off than you.  So the next time to you want to scream "Why me?"  Think about Why not me?  Your testimony could be indicative to someone how good and merciful God is, but you have to trust him.  In the middle of having lost everything, Job said (in reference to God) "Though he slay me yet will I trust him."  If you read the book of Job, you'll discover that in the end, once he was restored after praying for his friends, God blessed him with more that what he had initially.  Why not you?

Peace,
Karsten

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Back to School

As much as it pains me to say this, it's BACK TO SCHOOL time.  I am reminded of this as I'm out and about town.  N.C. State University had 4500 freshmen move into dormitories yesterday.  Both Meredith College and N.C. Central University in Durham have freshmen students moving in and scurrying around this weekend.  As for me, my first official faculty-staff meeting for the 2011-2012 academic year is Monday morning at 8:30 am.  I thought it to be very appropriate to lift up those who teach and learn in prayer today.

#31 Book of Common Prayer pg. 824
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universitites [and especially ___________ ], that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

A prayer for teachers:  KT
O God, source of all wisdom.  Grant those that you have entrusted to the vocation of teachers, a teachable spirit and a discerning heart, like that of Solomon.  Send them refreshing and encouragement, annoint them to recognize the gifts and potential of every student trusted to their care.  Grant them patience in all areas of their jobs, as well as grace and favor with the school administration and parents.  Strengthen and uphold them, through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

A prayer for students:  KT
God of all truth and knowledge, you said in your holy word, that if anyone lacks wisdom, let them ask.  Bless all who learn, study and work.  Grant them patience and perserverance under pressure and trying times of the school year.  Give all students a zeal to learn, and to share what they have learned with others.  Grant them teachable spirits and the awareness that intellect is a gift from you.  Help them to be ever respectful of their teachers and school administrators.  All this we ask in your Holy Name.  Amen

Here's to a wonderful school year, in Jesus' name.  We claim all victories inside and outside of the classroom.  The peace of God be always with you!

Karsten

Friday, August 12, 2011

Would you marry you?

I wish that I could take credit for this.  I guess that at some point, if I'm fortunate enough to counsel couples engaged to marry, or individuals who want to marry, I could offer this practical advise.  These are borrowed words from Iyanla Vanzant's "Acts of Faith" for August 11.

Would you marry you?

We are always looking for the perfect relationship.  The goal is to find that perfect someone who will make our lives a better place to be.  It is unfortunate that we don't realize  perfection runs two ways.  In order to find that perfect somebody, we must believe that, whatever perfect is, we have already achieved it.  No one can give us what we don't already have.  Mr. or Ms. Right cannot be to us what we are not.  If we are unhappy, unfulfilled, not pleased about who we are, we owe have to ask ourselves:  Would I marry me?  Am I doing my best, giving my all, being the best I can be to myself?  If not, why are we pawning ourselves off on someone else.  We need to take time to do some homework on self-love, self-esteem and self-confidence.  When we can pass the test of self acceptance, the perfect someone who will compliment all that we already are will walk right through the door.

Peace,
Karsten via Iyanla Vanzant

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Going beyond the mask...

We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes...

These are the opening lines from Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem "We wear the mask."  I was formally introduced to the works of Mr. Dunbar during my junior year of high school back at J. H. Rose High, courtesy of Ms. Emily Lou Davis, who was more formidable than some of my college literature professors.  It was in Ms. Davis' class that I was forced to memorize this poem and recite it before my classmates.  Oh, I just loathed the experience, but loved the poem.  I felt the same way when we had to do the same with William Cullen Bryant's "Thanatopsis." 

 
I'm not going to go into much detail about the historic context in which this poem was written.  I'm not going to expound too much on the fact that the majority of the poem is written in iambic tetrameter or is laced with alliteration.  I do want to focus on the opening lines of the poem.  "We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes."  How often do you go about your day and people ask you, primarly out of obligation, or good manners; "How are you?"  You immediately say "great" and if you have manners you may say "And you?"
 
It's not even Halloween yet, but I am sure within the next week or so, Target and Wal-Mart will not disappoint with the roll out of fall harvest decorum and Halloween costumes.  Brothers and sisters, we are wearing the mask that Dunbar refers to.  How many times can you recall that you may have just spoken to someone, only to find out that a short while later, some calamity may have befallen them?  Anything ranging from death, divorce, unemployment, grief, infirmity, financial ruin, unemployment, foreclosure and the list goes on and on and on.  Typically, these life changing events tend not to happen sporadically, although they can.  Often times these events have been buliding up for the ultimate crescendo. 
 
We wear the mask, and we wear it so well.  Our jobs, churches, temples, synagogues and schools are filled to maximum capacity with masqueraded folk.  If you're like me, you're one of them.  Think about the last time someone asked "How are you today?"  You said -- fine, okay, so-so, great or whatever.  But if you were honest with yourself at that moment, you were not fine or okay.  A part of your world was crumbling and there was nothing that you could do about it.  At times we are lucky enough to have someone that really knows us, and can readily tell that we are not being completely honest, and they will compel us to talk and fess up. 
 
I wish that I had a solution for what I call the "Masked Front."  However, the challenge that I want to lie before us is this.  I want us to go beyond the mask, and deal with what everything hiding our cheeks and shading our eyes.  If that means you have to confide in a trusted friend or professional, do it!  If that means you have to put your pride aside and be the bigger person, do it.  If it means that you have to extend the olive branch of peace to reconcile a broken relationship, do it.  If it means that you have to hold up the blood-stained, tattered white surrender banner and give it all to the Almighty, do it.  Whatever you have to do, Let go and let God. 
 
I'm not saying to destroy your mask, after all Halloween is around the corner, and sometimes it is appropriate that we wear our mask.  However, what I am saying, is put the mask down.  Be open to both your inner and outer beauty.  Be open to the truth, and deal with it.  John 8:32 tells us that "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  There is liberation and freedom in dropping the mask, but you have to take the courageous first step and deal with your biggest obstacle, YOU!  Allow me to quote from Psalm 139:14 "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  We wear the mask that grins and lies, it hides our cheeks and shades our eyes.  I dare to put down the mask, look in the mirror and deal with the precious reflection staring at you that was created in the image of God, to illuminate the this dark and hurting world with the light and love of Christ.  Thanks be to God!
 
Peace,
Karsten
 
For the complete poem, check out this link:  http://www.potw.org/archive/potw8.html

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

12 months later...

I find it hard to believe that it's been a year since I've been BLOGging.  Happy Un-Birthday to you!  It is my birthday today.  One thing that I have come to realize, each day is a gift from God.  I am yet again in the 30 something club, and loving it.  My Facebook, Twitter and newly acquired crackberry phone have all just been inundated with well wishes.  I am truly humbled, this is a true blessing of super technology.  I have the pleasure of sharing my birthday with the likes of Whitney Houston, Melanie Griffith and Juanes, as well as my pseudo twin Tremain Teel, high school class mate Wilbert Levett, and Dr. Angelo Burch. 

I've been encouraged to enjoy my day and have a blast several times already.  But when I was able to open my eyes this morning, get out of bed and utter thank you Jesus for another year, that was priceless.  Shortly after my birthday last year, I decided I would blog.  For the most part, I've been consistent, with a few breaks here and there.  Over the last twelve months, we've had extreme heat and cold, lack and plenty, joy and pain, chaos and order.  I can say that I've grown and regressed in some areas, but through it all, I know that God was, and still is with me, even when I did not perceive this to be the case or questioned the fairness of God's providence and sovereignty. 

During the last year of this journey, I've lost a few generals in my personal life who have crossed over into the vast expanse of eternity.  I've cried, shouted for jubilation, relentlessly said Lord, Have mercy!  But I realize that in the words of the gospel song that "I never would have made it without YOU!"  The song further says that I'm stronger, wiser and better.  This is where I am today, happy with Jesus Joy, stronger, wiser, better and yet holding on.  Only what you do for Christ will last.  "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery today is a gift.  That is why we call it the present."  Happy Un-Birthday to you!  Life is Good!

Peace,
Karsten

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Laughter for the Journey!!

I should be wishing you Happy Feast of the Transfiguration.  In the Episcopal tradition, August 6 is when we celebrate when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John.  Talk about a mountaintop experience.  Imagine seeing Jesus in glistening white talking to Moses and Elijah.  Surely that would freak me out and humble me at the same time.  Happy Transfiguration!

Today, I want to talk about laughter.  Most people that know me personally, know me to be a bit of a jokster with at times a dry sense of humor.  It has often been said that one has to laugh at life to keep from crying.  Ever have one of those moments where you just couldn't play it off and you had to laugh at yourself?  I have had plenty.  I make it a point to laugh at least seven times daily.  Why seven?  Seven in the number of completion.  Laughter is good for you.  You burn calories when you do it.  Proverbs 17:22 says "A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones."  Another reference also coming from Proverbs says, "Even in laughter my heart may ache, and the end of my joy will be grief." (14:13).  Now that does not go to say that at the conclusion of each bout of laughter you have, that a trial or tribulation is sure to befall you.  It simply reminds us that even in burdensome circumstances, remember to laugh. 

Life does need to be take seriously, because this earthly one is the only chance we'll get to make a difference and be the societal change agent that we are called to be.  People and circumstances will get on your nerves, but add a teaspoon of joy, a pinch of faith, 2/3 cup of prayer and a cup of laughter and you got yourself a recipe for some good living.  Not to say that trials won't come, but when they have passed, as storms often do, you will be able to look at how God preserved you and do one of two things, or possibly both -- Thank God and worship or laugh at how you worried over something that has come and gone and you had no control over it.

Embrace the gift of laughter today and always.  It is a gift.  Charlie Chaplin said "A day without laughter is a day wasted.  You dont want to waste your day away mean mugging and sour pussing, do you?  Bennett Cerf asserts "A person who can bring a spirit of laughter into room is indeed blessed.  I call you BLESSED.  You are blessed of the Most High.  Laugh today, I'm sure that you can think of something to chuckle at.  Whether you LOL, LOLz, LAU, LMB(A)O, ROTFLMBO; laugh with gusto.  A merry heart does good like medicine.  I call you BLESSED with laughter even in adverse situations.  Thanks be to God.

Peace,
Karsten

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Basil the Blesssed (1464-1552)

In lieu of all the talk of debt talk and just living in these perilous conditions of men, I thought that I would share with you, an excerpt from yesterday's reading of "Common Prayer:  A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals." 

"Basil was born to a peasant family near Moscow, in the late 1400s.  He left home at sixteen to devote himelf to a life of asceticism.  He did not have a permanent home but instead walked around barefoot and in rags, exhibiting extraordinary humility in the face of punishment, ridicule, and derision.  Like an Old Testament prophet, Basil challenged those in power about their treatment of the poor, marginalized and afflicted.  He foretold misfortunes and preached the gospel to all who would listen, including the Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, who respected and feared Basil's gift of prophecy.  Once, when Basil offered the Tsar a piece of raw meat during the lenten season, the Tsar rejected it.  Basil boldly and truthfully asked him, "Then why do you drink the blood of men?" noting the Tsar's violent behavior toward innocent people."

Friends, America is in periolous times.  From where are the Basils among us to arise?  The Church (regardless of affiliation) has been too silent on this issue.  Is it more convenient to remain silent and idly watch things happen as they may?  If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.  It is now time for us to express outrage either collectively or individually.  Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  Where do you stand?  You are a voice in this world and you deserve to be heard.  Just as the Tsar listened to Basil, and as King Ahasuerus listened to Esther as she pleaded for her people; you too shall be heard if you speak up.  Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their trangressions and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

Peace,
Karsten

Monday, August 1, 2011

How deep is your faith?

Yesterday morning, while getting ready for church and trying to calm my four legged beast, there was a show on TV called "Spiritual Awakening."  Spiritual Awakening is a local show produced by our CBS affilitate, which showcases area gospel artists and choirs.  There was a group of about 20 singers on TV dressed in black, whose name I forget.  They were singing an upbeat number, acconmpanied with snare drums, bass guitar, and keyboard.  I had never heard this song before.  I gathered from the introduction and refrain of the song, that the title was "How deep is your faith?"

The song is catchy and was in my head most of the morning.  I began to think and ask myself; how deep is your faith?  Faith is defined as: confindence or trust in a person or thing, belief that is not based in proof, belief in God or in the doctrines of religion.  It would be a fair assumption that since this is a gospel show, that the essential question posed by the choir in this selection was "How deep is your faith in God?"  The book of Hebrews further says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Indeed by faith our ancestors received approval.  By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared be the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things not visible (11:1-3).

Now that I've really gotten you confused, think on this.  Each time you sit in a chair, you have no doubt that the chair will support you and enable you to rest until you get up.  Right??  That -- on some level requires faith and confidence in the manufacturer of that chair, someone whom you have never met.  But how much faith would it take for you to believe that God will meet your every need, attend to your every care and dry every tear.  Our salvation is granted to us by faith, we take communion in faith, we pray in faith.  As saints of God, pretty much everything that we do is embedded in faith.  If it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain; How much faith would it take to turn your situations around and transform you from glory into glory.  Think about the closing line of Jeremiah from the movie The Preacher's Wife, starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston.  The last thing that Jeremiah says before the credits roll is "Just because you can't see the air does not mean it's not there."  How deep is your faith?

Peace,
Karsten