Dearest Mama,
It’s that time of the year again. Christmas, New Year, shopping, blah, blah. The songs, the sayings: “Christmas coming $0.30, buy your Lappa $0.30! Christmas coming $0.30, buy your Lappa $0.30!” An old song for the not too young, ehn! What’s the song on the block these days? Well, before you put it on me, let me quickly say, “My Christmas on you. My new year on you Oo.” I said it first, so you owe me Christmas and New Year gift(s).
I know there are a lot going on at your end: Christmas shopping, the chief, politics and policies, and our next door neighbor; Côte d'Ivoire.
At my end, December is not only a birthday month, (my birthday); it is also a time when businesses put out their best marketing strategies to conjure customers. Personally, when “Christmas starts coming,” I begin vigorously searching for feathers to sooth my ears from the tingling sound of the big gray old clock. The clock’s ticking becomes louder and more annoying as the number of days to Christmas and the ushering of the New Year decreases. I visualize the movement of the minute hand on the big gray old clock, and have attempted gluing the hands of the clock to keep it in place. Do you think I succeeded? No way. That giant clock just goes on ticking. Do you hear the clooocck? I hear it, even when I’m on the farm. I hear it when I’m in the market. I hear it when I am washing the clothes. I hear it when I’m cooking cassava leaf. I hear it when using the wooden spoon to turn the torborgee in the country pot, and that thing keeps ticking when I’m listening to the radio. Some twenty years ago, and that big gray clock just goes on and on, ticking in my ears; faithfully defending its territory against the cotton buds, the chicken feathers, my fingers, the tip of the pens and pencils.
Sometimes, it appears that the big gray old clock has lost the territory it stole from me years ago, but then, the big old gray clock, reminds me that being silent or faint doesn’t mean it is powerless.
So that big gray clock is ringing its loudest again. This time, in addition to reminding me about the beginning of the Liberian war that left my Village in tatters, displaced us and the beginning of our (you and me)separation, (start of the December 1989 war); the clock has added another annoying tone - the ongoing crisis in Cote d'Ivoire. But why Cote d'Ivoire??
I’ve read and continue to follow the situation in Cote d'Ivoire. I am aware that both Gbagbo and Ouattara are claiming that they won the November 28 runoff elections and have set up parallel governments in the city of Abidjan. Alassana Ouattara’s claim is backed by international groups, while the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, controls the military. There are also reports that fighters (rebels) from Liberia and Angola are being recruited by “commanders” in Cote d’ivoire. Personallly, the key question shouldn't ne who’s recruiting former rebels from Liberia or fighters from Angola. In my view, the key issue should be, how are the fighters and mercenaries identified, how are they contacted, how is recruitment carried out?
I am sitting here thinking aloud, Mama: So these professed “mercenaries” are apparently walking freely without labels in a non military, and or non guerilla society (ies).
Another issue that is worrisome is the report of the influx of Ivorians (refugee) across borders into Liberia, Guinea, and other countries that share borders with Cote d’voire. The Ivorians are mostly crossing over into Liberia by way of Nimba County. Does that ring a bell - ding ding, ding ding!
Knock, knock, is anyone checking to make sure that there are restriction on the movements of weapons during the mass influx of refugees???
Mama, so what do we wish for Cote d’voire? I hear some people say, “it’s good for them, let them see what it feels like to be having problems.’ Others are saying, “And they were the ones who let Taylor use their place to start war, so…” Then there are those who are saying, “Don’t mind them, they…………”
Well, let me close this letter with the following questions:
Can Liberia claim the lost stability in Cote D’voire? Ok, let me create a scenario for this question. Cote D’voire and Liberia are two individuals working at a government agency. Cote d’voire was laid off. Can Liberia, also an employee at this agency maintains her job, and also get Cote D’voire’s job, and salary?
Will a war in Cote d’voire bring, or restore peace in Liberia?
Does the crisis in Cote d’voire lift us off our economic situation, or increases our economic woes?
How do you feel about the crisis in Cote d’voire? Do you feel happy, sad, mad, worried, excited, or indifferent?
Well, Mama, I must pay attention to your grandchild. Extend my love to Poppa, and my big brother who are with you. And extend Holiday greeting to Korpo, Mama Yassa, Annie and her family, Oldman Kollie, and all the folks in the Village. Tell them, my Christmas on them!
always,
musue
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
My Song for you
By: Musue N. Haddad
I say it
You are loved
My haven of joy
I say it aloud
A chorus
Snap my fingers
Same time
Stomp my feet
In unison
A beautiful melody,
Shout delicately, lovingly
Accentuate my creed
A diktat; an edict
My hands lifted up
My eyes upward
At the top of my voice
I say,
Boundless, limitless
Your boldness, creativity
Synchronization, blissfulness
Brilliance, astuteness
All your Ingenuity
My dear
Enfolded in His armor
You are safe, shielded
Remember always
You’re a line of Elohim
And our faithful custodian
The Guardian of the chosen
Lineage of greatness, wholeness
Unswerving piðstiv
Oh! Yes, my dear
You are a great Prince
Prince of light
Might, strength, power
You’ve also inherited
So my dear
In a purposeful
Hoarse, gentle tone,
I say with a smile
And with adoration
And utter devotion
You are wholly victorious!
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
I say it
You are loved
My haven of joy
I say it aloud
A chorus
Snap my fingers
Same time
Stomp my feet
In unison
A beautiful melody,
Shout delicately, lovingly
Accentuate my creed
A diktat; an edict
My hands lifted up
My eyes upward
At the top of my voice
I say,
Boundless, limitless
Your boldness, creativity
Synchronization, blissfulness
Brilliance, astuteness
All your Ingenuity
My dear
Enfolded in His armor
You are safe, shielded
Remember always
You’re a line of Elohim
And our faithful custodian
The Guardian of the chosen
Lineage of greatness, wholeness
Unswerving piðstiv
Oh! Yes, my dear
You are a great Prince
Prince of light
Might, strength, power
You’ve also inherited
So my dear
In a purposeful
Hoarse, gentle tone,
I say with a smile
And with adoration
And utter devotion
You are wholly victorious!
Copyright © Musue N. Haddad
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Science of “Giving and Receiving”
Dearest Mama,
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are saying that the men refused to share the cake when they (the men) headed the revolution? Eh! Is this pay back? I hope this act of "pay back" doesn't turn into a kind of circus, or a circle. When it becomes a circle, it then connects all of us, like receiving and giving. When it becomes a circus, what do I say about this..., you are familiar with that charade. I mean the circus charade that we have witnessed in our Village. Not the Britney Spears' circus; far from the Circus we have seen across the ocean, (the kwee people's place) when clowns and animals perform.
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on Giving and Receiving in Religion, Science and other subjects. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to himself] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are saying that the men refused to share the cake when they (the men) headed the revolution? Eh! Is this pay back? I hope this act of "pay back" doesn't turn into a kind of circus, or a circle. When it becomes a circle, it then connects all of us, like receiving and giving. When it becomes a circus, what do I say about this..., you are familiar with that charade. I mean the circus charade that we have witnessed in our Village. Not the Britney Spears' circus; far from the Circus we have seen across the ocean, (the kwee people's place) when clowns and animals perform.
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on Giving and Receiving in Religion, Science and other subjects. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to himself] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
The Science of “Giving and Receiving”
Dearest Mama,
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are accusing the women of holding back, and not giving them their portions of desks when they (the men) headed the revolution?
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on the Giving and Receiving in Religious and Science. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to him self] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
I heard that there is revolution going on in our Village. How come? Is it true the women are accusing the women of holding back, and not giving them their portions of desks when they (the men) headed the revolution?
Well, please ask Kartomo to send me pictures depicting the latest strike so that I can use my microscope to dissect the images and information for my next letter.
Wow, wow. This issue of Giving and Receiving has a long history. In politics, countries give aid for what… say it, don’t be afraid…. Ok. Countries do give aid for several reasons. Some countries give aid for humanitarian purpose, but many aid are given for different political, economic and calculated reasons that benefit the donor countries.
Giving and Receiving is a way to prosperity, and can be established or verified in Science, Politics, Marital homes, and the list goes on. Recently, I jotted down notes on the Giving and Receiving in Religious and Science. It was hilarious; it was interesting, and a real performance in church. Bishop Darlingston Johnson again took the stage, delving in the topic, Giving and Receiving, a subtopic of the general theme he has been discussing. In his sermon, Bishop Johnson quoted few verses, including Proverbs, 3: 9-10, and Malachi 1:11,
Bishop encouraged members of the audience to consider tithing an important aspect of growing spiritually, and opening the vessel of God’s blessings. That is, when we obey the Law of Tithing we are blessed. The Law of tithing requires obedience in paying it faithfully. This means that we shouldn't resent paying our tithe, and be;ievers must desist from murmuring and grumbling about paying tithe.
As Bishop Johnson progressed in his sermon, he started drawing from other subjects on Giving and Receiving. As I reflected on tithing and receiving God’s blessings, I was anxious to have the subject at my finger tip. In my own life, and from spiritual point of view, tithing is a healthy practice. As Bishop said, we get blessings from God, it is therefore important to demonstrate our faith by paying our tithe to allow God’s blessings to continue to flow. As Bishop said, God is not going to stop blessing us if we disobey him, but we receive God’s blessings by obeying His laws and when we obey His laws there are blessings that go with it. We must also remember that God’s blessings are not always what we expect; they can be worldly materials, and also spiritual blessings or both.
Drawing from science and other core subjects, Bishop illustrated his teaching on tithing by correlated tithing with our bodies. He said if our bodies do not release waste, we can not adequately take in food. Moreover, when we are constipated, we become unhealthy, and toxic. Do you want to visualize that? Go ahead!
Bishop went on in other areas to exemplify the importance of tithing. “Do I have to tithe,” he asked? “No,” he responded, adding, “Tithing is a privilege, it is not a liability.” In the same way, he continued, “You don’t have to drive on the right side of the street,” but there is a consequence for doing the opposite. As the audience burst into laughters, Bishop Johnson explained that there are many things we don’t have to do, but if we refuse to do those things, we live with the consequences: “You don’t have to pay taxes, you don’t have to brush your teeth, you don’t have to wear clothes, you don’t have to do any of the those things if you are willing to bear the consequences.”
He then underscored some of the ramifications for neglecting to adhere to basic hygiene rules: If you don’t brush your teeth, or take bath, your chances of getting job are slim. And if you come to church, people will find a way to sit far from you. People are not judgmental when they stay far from you. That is just the consequence of your action- your refusal to take bath, and refusal to brush your teeth. In the same vein, “You don’t have to tithe, you get to tithe,” he added. When you tithe, you steer God to control, and what God controls, God blesses, and what God bless, multiply. Wow, isn’t that great.
Bishop Johnson said, “I [pointing to him self] am not willing to live with the consequences of loving God less.” He said, if we refuse to pay their tithe, God will not love them less, God will remain big, but they we will remain small.
He said that the more he [Bishop] learned of God’s faithfulness, he recognized the importance of tithing. He said without tithing can inhibit one’s faith, and result to increase in struggles, in almost all areas of one’s life.
Bishop Johnson explained that tithing helps believers develop the discipline to rise above selfishness, to become rich in faith, and experience personal blessings.
As I read about Tithing, I was moved by the personal stories and testimonies on the subject.
Permit me to share one of my favorite songs, the prayer of St. Francis, which also speaks about tithing: Giving and Receiving in its third stanza:
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Mama, I want to continue tithing so that God can be in control of my everything. I know when he is in control, he blesses, and what he blesses, multiply.
I wait to hear from you and the folks in the village.
always,
musue
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Race for Prosperity: What’s Your Goal?
Dearest Mama,
Thanks for the pre-independence Day picture. The picture brings back fond memories of the Village, and our people. In this picture, I see almost all the houses- big and small, and the little huts all flying or painted red, white and blue. Was there any competition or race for flying the "Red, White and Blue Colors." To my eyes, the picture of the Village is overwhelming - almost everything: houses, palm trees, banana trees, plum trees, Calabashes, buckets, drums, faces of children are painted in national colors. Let me use the Bassa phrase, "Ah kay nay!" One of my "T-High" comrades, Matthew Gbesee used the phrased whenever he lacked words to describe a situation.
This Independence Day, I close my eyes to reflect on past July 26 celebrations, and visualize what’s happening in the Village, my homeland. I picture today’s inhabitants in their celebrity mood. I draw images from folk stories (oral and written) of our grandparents, our great-grand parents, and our ancestors who walked and toiled our homeland.
Last night, I heard the town crier announce that the Village soccer team, the Lone Star beat our neighbor Syli National of Guinea 1-0 during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unity Tournament in commemoration of Independence Day.
The people from our village here are engage in a lot of activities. Independent day parties are going on in several states here: Staten Island, Philadephia, Maryland, Washington, DC, among other places.
Our Village's Embassy here had a big party. At the party, I heard people had all the Liberian food: roast meat, roast fish, roast chicken, fufu and soup, Kpassajama, and just about everything you can see and smell while walking the streets in the village. At some of these parties, people dress to kill. Sometimes, it is almost like a race for who’s the best dress; who's the best cook; who has the best car; who has the best hairdo; who wore the most expensive shirt, who wore the beautiful pants; who made it first at the party....? Emm. I heard that the race and placing things in various category didn't begin with thse attending the part, I mean outside guest, the organizers also (knowingly/unknowingly) too part in the race. You can imagine the rest.
Mama, writing about the Independence Day, and talking about race, reminds me of one of Bishop Darlingston Johnson's sermons on partaking in a race, and winning lasting glories. The sermon was drawn from several passages including, 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27, which reads:
“ 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
In that sermon, Bishop Johnson said there is a race going on, we can decide to join the race, or be by standers. However, every believer is a part of the race.
As soon as Bishop Johnson mentioned the word "race," my mind manipulating the word, and providing different images. I started picturing people: some people running while others standing and curiously asking question to no one in particular: “Why are those people running? As the race goes on in my mind, there there are others, who see people running, they immediately jump in, without asking what the race is all about. Yea, yea, we have seen that one. Then there are those who jumped in line, and register for any category, without information about the race, the categpries, or trophies. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
But what did Bishop say in his teaching? In his usual teaching and preaching methodology, Bishop presented the goal selecting the theme and topic, outlining the whys, bullet pointing the whats, and illustrating how (individual) members of the congregation can partake in the race and win the highest trophy. So when Bishop Johnson stood before the audience to speak on 'Racing for Gold,' he urged the congregation to aim for the highest category. Bishop associated the race for prosperity to the World Soccer game, where teams compete for trophies in the highest categories, and some fell alongside the way side. He said, though some teams dropped out of the competition, being a part of the championship was an opportunity, an effort and an act that earned even the losing team credit just for participating in the race. In essence, Bishop said that as believers, (unbelievers are not in the race) we are already in the race. Bishop then posed the following questions to the congregation:
What’s our standing in the race for prosperity. How well are we in the race for God’s glory? How much do we as individuals want to win God’s prosperity? Will we go for the Gold crown in every category?
He asked the audience, “Isn’t there something more lasting, more enduring, that we can get excited about than World Cups, big houses, fancy cars.” Bishop Johnson then paused momentarily, leaving the congregation to crave for the formula that would enable them attain a lasting prosperity. He then took a quick look at the audience, and his voice broke the silence, “Yes there is. There is a glory and prosperity that is lasting.”
Bishop Johnson named four Crowns that provides glories and prosperity that are lasting: The Crown of Righteousness, The Crown of Life, The Crown of Rejoicing, and The Crown of Glory. The Crowns, Bishop Johnson said, signifies God’s glory, honor and power.
Bishop said the Crown of Life is a trophy that requires us to remain faithful, even when things are hard. He referred to James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
He said the Crown of Rejoicing is given to those who win souls. The Crown of Rejoicing is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which affirms that souls won for Jesus will make us worthy of this crown of Rejoicing.
The Crown of Glory seems to be a reward for those who help the Chief Shepherd to teach, care for, and nurture God’s people so that they grow. This reward is for devoted Pastors, who willingly feed his flock. 1 Peter 5:2-4, talks about this Crown:
"Be Shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never will fade away."
Bishop Johnson urged the congregation to desist from feeling themselves so much negative. He admonished the congregation to learn from the Apostle Paul, who was not motivated by men’s values. Bishop said, "Run with purpose, passion and perseverance, so that you can win the Crown.”
He added, “Live for what Christ died for- souls, and be willing to die for what Christ lived for-truth,” so that truth may be established, and truth may live in the hearts of men and women.
Bishop Johnson closed his teaching, informing the audience that he is going for Gold in every category of the race. He challenged the congregation to join the race, and pressed even further, “I don’t want to see you with a Crownless head.”
As the Sermon came to a close, I was wondering what our village would be like if we had ten persons willing to join such a race- a race that would challenge us to set aside our pettiness, and work for the development of "our neighbor." Such a venture would teach us to loving, selfless; it would strip us of selfishness, and help us forgo the bad for the good.
Mama, what a sermon. Isn't it more of a teach-preach? I hope our people will gather around the fire when the sun goes down to listen to this letter.
Let me know how it goes.
always,
musue
Thanks for the pre-independence Day picture. The picture brings back fond memories of the Village, and our people. In this picture, I see almost all the houses- big and small, and the little huts all flying or painted red, white and blue. Was there any competition or race for flying the "Red, White and Blue Colors." To my eyes, the picture of the Village is overwhelming - almost everything: houses, palm trees, banana trees, plum trees, Calabashes, buckets, drums, faces of children are painted in national colors. Let me use the Bassa phrase, "Ah kay nay!" One of my "T-High" comrades, Matthew Gbesee used the phrased whenever he lacked words to describe a situation.
This Independence Day, I close my eyes to reflect on past July 26 celebrations, and visualize what’s happening in the Village, my homeland. I picture today’s inhabitants in their celebrity mood. I draw images from folk stories (oral and written) of our grandparents, our great-grand parents, and our ancestors who walked and toiled our homeland.
Last night, I heard the town crier announce that the Village soccer team, the Lone Star beat our neighbor Syli National of Guinea 1-0 during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unity Tournament in commemoration of Independence Day.
The people from our village here are engage in a lot of activities. Independent day parties are going on in several states here: Staten Island, Philadephia, Maryland, Washington, DC, among other places.
Our Village's Embassy here had a big party. At the party, I heard people had all the Liberian food: roast meat, roast fish, roast chicken, fufu and soup, Kpassajama, and just about everything you can see and smell while walking the streets in the village. At some of these parties, people dress to kill. Sometimes, it is almost like a race for who’s the best dress; who's the best cook; who has the best car; who has the best hairdo; who wore the most expensive shirt, who wore the beautiful pants; who made it first at the party....? Emm. I heard that the race and placing things in various category didn't begin with thse attending the part, I mean outside guest, the organizers also (knowingly/unknowingly) too part in the race. You can imagine the rest.
Mama, writing about the Independence Day, and talking about race, reminds me of one of Bishop Darlingston Johnson's sermons on partaking in a race, and winning lasting glories. The sermon was drawn from several passages including, 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27, which reads:
“ 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
In that sermon, Bishop Johnson said there is a race going on, we can decide to join the race, or be by standers. However, every believer is a part of the race.
As soon as Bishop Johnson mentioned the word "race," my mind manipulating the word, and providing different images. I started picturing people: some people running while others standing and curiously asking question to no one in particular: “Why are those people running? As the race goes on in my mind, there there are others, who see people running, they immediately jump in, without asking what the race is all about. Yea, yea, we have seen that one. Then there are those who jumped in line, and register for any category, without information about the race, the categpries, or trophies. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
But what did Bishop say in his teaching? In his usual teaching and preaching methodology, Bishop presented the goal selecting the theme and topic, outlining the whys, bullet pointing the whats, and illustrating how (individual) members of the congregation can partake in the race and win the highest trophy. So when Bishop Johnson stood before the audience to speak on 'Racing for Gold,' he urged the congregation to aim for the highest category. Bishop associated the race for prosperity to the World Soccer game, where teams compete for trophies in the highest categories, and some fell alongside the way side. He said, though some teams dropped out of the competition, being a part of the championship was an opportunity, an effort and an act that earned even the losing team credit just for participating in the race. In essence, Bishop said that as believers, (unbelievers are not in the race) we are already in the race. Bishop then posed the following questions to the congregation:
What’s our standing in the race for prosperity. How well are we in the race for God’s glory? How much do we as individuals want to win God’s prosperity? Will we go for the Gold crown in every category?
He asked the audience, “Isn’t there something more lasting, more enduring, that we can get excited about than World Cups, big houses, fancy cars.” Bishop Johnson then paused momentarily, leaving the congregation to crave for the formula that would enable them attain a lasting prosperity. He then took a quick look at the audience, and his voice broke the silence, “Yes there is. There is a glory and prosperity that is lasting.”
Bishop Johnson named four Crowns that provides glories and prosperity that are lasting: The Crown of Righteousness, The Crown of Life, The Crown of Rejoicing, and The Crown of Glory. The Crowns, Bishop Johnson said, signifies God’s glory, honor and power.
Bishop said the Crown of Life is a trophy that requires us to remain faithful, even when things are hard. He referred to James 1:12, which states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."
He said the Crown of Rejoicing is given to those who win souls. The Crown of Rejoicing is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, which affirms that souls won for Jesus will make us worthy of this crown of Rejoicing.
The Crown of Glory seems to be a reward for those who help the Chief Shepherd to teach, care for, and nurture God’s people so that they grow. This reward is for devoted Pastors, who willingly feed his flock. 1 Peter 5:2-4, talks about this Crown:
"Be Shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never will fade away."
Bishop Johnson urged the congregation to desist from feeling themselves so much negative. He admonished the congregation to learn from the Apostle Paul, who was not motivated by men’s values. Bishop said, "Run with purpose, passion and perseverance, so that you can win the Crown.”
He added, “Live for what Christ died for- souls, and be willing to die for what Christ lived for-truth,” so that truth may be established, and truth may live in the hearts of men and women.
Bishop Johnson closed his teaching, informing the audience that he is going for Gold in every category of the race. He challenged the congregation to join the race, and pressed even further, “I don’t want to see you with a Crownless head.”
As the Sermon came to a close, I was wondering what our village would be like if we had ten persons willing to join such a race- a race that would challenge us to set aside our pettiness, and work for the development of "our neighbor." Such a venture would teach us to loving, selfless; it would strip us of selfishness, and help us forgo the bad for the good.
Mama, what a sermon. Isn't it more of a teach-preach? I hope our people will gather around the fire when the sun goes down to listen to this letter.
Let me know how it goes.
always,
musue
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Random Thoughts: Breeding Bullies.....?
Dearest Mama,
Consider this letter a diversion from our usual communication. I am writing to inform you and the town’s folks, the villagers, our ancestors and our elders about one of the major challenges of raising kids in this part of the world. It may be impossible to give you a “blow- by- blow” of the bullying your grandchild is facing, but before I can give you a summary, let me take this moment to express my regret to Pastor Darlingston Johnson, Rev. Julius Laggah, and Pastor Zangai for the delay in finalizing and posting articles from the past teachings and orations. I also take this time to ask editors of my manuscripts to bear with me as I deal with this grave situation. Thank You.
Mama, the latest bullying situation occured recently. On July 13th, my son went on a field trip. When I went to pick him up, he said his head was hurting. I thought he was just playing baby. However, after reaching home, my son again raised the issue, this time, mentioning the names of two kids and demonstrating how the kids (children whose bullying behavior is nothing new and resulted to our staying away from the family.) slapped repeatedly and violently on his head. My son then started crying. I then recognized the magnitude of the intentional tormenting, the physical, verbal, and psychological abuse my son suffered that day at the hands of these two children.
At that moment, I was torn. I called your grandson other grandma. My son, your grandchild, using his limited speech to communicate explained via telephone to his grandma what had happened. He also called the names of the two kids, and then started sobbing.
Mama, I know you got my message that day, and might have heard my son sobbing in the backgroun. I tried calling, but the satellite to the village was dimmed. I am sure you always see us, and hear our messages, and are aware of our attempts to reach out to you. But from this end, it is difficult to see or hear you. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, the satellite is a bit clearer to see your face. However, with my son still sobbing, and holding ice cubes on his head that day, I called on the Highest authority and petitioned him to intervene.
This is not the first time these kid(s) have physically and verbally tormented my son, Mama. In the past, the little girl openly pushed your grandchild; she also used both legs to kick and push my son in the presence of her mother. On each of those occasions, the girl’s mother just looked on, as if it was a normal or an acceptable behavior. Let me say it again, she looked on without any form of action to stop her daughter. It appeared that they enjoyed watching my son’s reactions, and my own reaction. You know Mama, at one time, I assumed that the little girl’s behavior was just a temporary phase, and that she would change her behavior at some point in time. Contrary to what I had assumed, the situation worsened, resulting to a marginalization of my son, and his growing timidity. Rather than find means to resolve the situation, the girl's mother defended her daughter’s behavior and threaten us. I still have that e-mail. Since then, and after seeking advice from colleagues and other professionals, I have avoided the family and vowed that if they ever came near my son, I will make use of every available option within the confines of the law to protect my son from any form, and or acts of abuse and bully.
So it came as quite a surprise that these kids saw my son with his classmates, and t they had the audacity to invade my son’s territory, just to pound on his head and demean him. Mama, ask the villagers to tell me … for what??? Wow, these people are brave? How dare these kids and their parents to consider my son their punching bag?
Mama, what really scared me about this whole scenario was a comment the boy once made. Guess what he said! One day he told me during a casual conversation that if my son ever visited them, they would use him [my son] for an experiment.
I asked, ‘what kind of experiment?”
The boy responded, “To see how long he can breathe.”
I was shock, but went on, “Do you want to kill my son.”
The boy’s response, ‘We have “antidote” in case anything happens to bring him back to life.”
When I informed the boy’s mom, she brushed it aside.
Can you picture such experiment with your grandson? Imagine the images that appeared in my mind that day, and other days whenever the thought of ever accepting the offfer to baby sit my son. I know that people from our village and surrounding clans will not allow their eight years old to toy with the idea of using a child for experiment, let alone express such. In this place, you have to be careful and on constant alert when it comes to raising kids. You see people, you interact with people, but you can assume to know them, or their thoughts. As parents here, we meet a lot of people at programs for kids: playgrounds, after school programs, etc. We meet at these places and try to mingle, setting aside our cultural and other backgrounds. But now I understand the dangers in mingling with people who are ignoramus, and cantankerous. Moreover, in a society where family values, love and nurturing kids are on the back seat, one has cautious about what children see, hear and live everyday, and everywhere.
Back to the situation on hand. It is too big to go under the carpet. Please Mama, don’t even start the little parables, and don’t even talk about kola nuts and white fowls. Most of the people here will eat our food with smiles that shows their jawbone teeth, but that is where it ends when it comes to tolerance.
Mama, I have forgiven them, but right now, I must be a parent to my son. This is about fulfilling my responsibilities, a duty and responsibility that I cherish, and fully embrace with my heart, soul and mind. If I neglect any part or aspects of this responsibility, then my entire life (my past and present, and perhaps my future) is a waste.
Mama, do you remember once when you took the rattan chair, share kola-nuts and ask me whether I didn’t like President Charles Taylor that was why I vigorously pursue highlighting human rights situation during his regime. What was my response? I said, “I don’t hate President Taylor, but like many others, I was a victim of the war; moreover, President Taylor’s policies and practices were not in the interest of the people and society.” Wait Mama, I know you may want to ask why I jumped from bullying to discussing ex President Charles Taylor. I am laying a premise to point out the degree at which I am pursuing this issue. The point here is this, Taylor was at the helm of power, what he was doing at that time affected me and my compatriots, thou not in the same direct manner that this lady have [directly] allowed her children to bully and brutalized my son. So if I could put my life on the line and vigorously pursue an issue that was somehow considered nationally “taboo” under President Taylor’s administration, then imagine the effort I am putting into an issue that has my child, a child divinely placed in my care, my biological child, my “only begotten son." Eh! Tell them, even raccoon knows what tree to clean his buttock on.
Mama, in this place, bully is a crime, however like all crimes, there must be investigations. So while the investigation is being carried out, we will continue to call on our elders to guide us in this situation. I have faith ‘as small as a custard seed,” that means mountains will move for us. God does not like ugly, God does not like evil. This situation is both evil and ugly. Bullying is evil; someone who bullies is a bully. A bully, according to The Free Dictionary is “a person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.” Imagine that!
You know Mama, there is no way, let me emphasize, NO WAY, [I put my finger on the ground, kiss it and put it upward] this thing will be disregarded, ignore, and ceased; therefore, we must reach the bottom of this situation. The law will take its course, nature will take its course, our elders in the remote part of the village are also sitting on the mat and breaking kola nuts on this situation, and every agents of the Shepherd from all corners of the earth and the Universe - North, South, West And East are implementing the relief the Shepherd has ordered, and adjudged regarding my petition on this issue. As I complete this section, I am reminded of this popular parable, "He who pursues an innocent chicken always stumbles." As simple as it may sound, perhaps they may need interpretation. Who knows, they might have to suck up their prejudice to ask some of our people to interprete this proverb.
Mama, thank you for all the night tales. I learn and apppreciate that our Shepherd loves little children, and I know that anyone who does wrong to a child puts their hands in the eyes of the God, the Shepherd.
Mama, that being said, this letter serves as part of the documentation of facts surrounding the bullying of my son by these children with the acquiesce of their parents. Along with other professionals, this issue will only find closure after the necessary measures are put in place to put a halt to this cruel and inhumane treatment, the binding of all such and similar acts by the perpetrators against my son, and full restitution, not money or material things, [I want nothing from them, and want nothing to do with them. I rub my heel in the dirt on that.] but the full weight of ALL the law for the acts deliberately and calculatedly carried out by this family against my son. There are laws against bully; however in this case, it is not only about bully, but also a case of physical, verbal abuse, among other cruelty, and I may even add stalking.
Mama, bullies hurt and sometimes kill their victims. Some victims have remained permanently damaged from being bullied. But Mama, do you know that bullies are also harmed in the process. You see, Mama, children learn what they live. There is a poem written by an author, Dr, Dorothy Law Nolte. Parts of the poem goes like this, "If children live with sharing, they learn generosity, If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.” Some people fail to understand that children pick on our ways of life, the way we regard others, the way we view others, and how we relate to our own kids. Along the way in life, we sometimes make mistakes, but we can learn to recognize our shortcomings, and do the right thing. In the same vein, we can take a stand against bully within our own life, by modeling anti bullying behaviors. If bullies are allowed to continue their behavior, the behavior becomes habitual. In the process, they do not develop a mature sense of justice. Besides, they tend to intimidate others to cover up their own insecurities, which make their own anxiety level to increase.
Doesn’t this sound like the song the old man used to sing: you do good, you do it for yourself, if you do bad, you do it to yourself.
Dr. Carol E. Watkins in an article, “Dealing with Bullies and How Not to be One,” said, “There are a number of reasons that a child or adolescent becomes a bully. He or she may need to cover his own feelings of inadequacy. He may lack good adult role models. If he sees parents bullying him or each other, he may regard this type of behavior as simply the way one should act.” That really sums it up.
Sometimes I say, “Yes, being a single parent is one challenging job, but it is one I will prefer to the alternative that was on the table.” You see, children can learn everything; it is just a matter of how we teach them, or what we exposed them to, or what they hear and see. Once children are expose to bullying, intolerance, greed, they are learning those attitudes and behaviors, and therefore will "live what they learn." In the same vein, if you want your five years old to learn 100 hundred sight words within a given period, you can teach them in one or more ways: motivate the child, expose them to the words,(which is letting them live the sight words, and they will learn them),teach them by identifying their intelligence(s) and using their learning styles. Let your child live love, they will learn learn to love, let your child live hate, they will learn hatred. It's like, you reap what you sow in children.
Mama, say hi to Karworlorwu, Dobarzee, Olman Poe, MaTete, and all the family, friends and villagers. I'm still waiting for the country soda.
In the main time, I am working with my son, and have consulted other family members who are providing us support to help my son overcome the situation, and also help me to remain focus.
I miss you dearly.
always,
musue
Consider this letter a diversion from our usual communication. I am writing to inform you and the town’s folks, the villagers, our ancestors and our elders about one of the major challenges of raising kids in this part of the world. It may be impossible to give you a “blow- by- blow” of the bullying your grandchild is facing, but before I can give you a summary, let me take this moment to express my regret to Pastor Darlingston Johnson, Rev. Julius Laggah, and Pastor Zangai for the delay in finalizing and posting articles from the past teachings and orations. I also take this time to ask editors of my manuscripts to bear with me as I deal with this grave situation. Thank You.
Mama, the latest bullying situation occured recently. On July 13th, my son went on a field trip. When I went to pick him up, he said his head was hurting. I thought he was just playing baby. However, after reaching home, my son again raised the issue, this time, mentioning the names of two kids and demonstrating how the kids (children whose bullying behavior is nothing new and resulted to our staying away from the family.) slapped repeatedly and violently on his head. My son then started crying. I then recognized the magnitude of the intentional tormenting, the physical, verbal, and psychological abuse my son suffered that day at the hands of these two children.
At that moment, I was torn. I called your grandson other grandma. My son, your grandchild, using his limited speech to communicate explained via telephone to his grandma what had happened. He also called the names of the two kids, and then started sobbing.
Mama, I know you got my message that day, and might have heard my son sobbing in the backgroun. I tried calling, but the satellite to the village was dimmed. I am sure you always see us, and hear our messages, and are aware of our attempts to reach out to you. But from this end, it is difficult to see or hear you. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, the satellite is a bit clearer to see your face. However, with my son still sobbing, and holding ice cubes on his head that day, I called on the Highest authority and petitioned him to intervene.
This is not the first time these kid(s) have physically and verbally tormented my son, Mama. In the past, the little girl openly pushed your grandchild; she also used both legs to kick and push my son in the presence of her mother. On each of those occasions, the girl’s mother just looked on, as if it was a normal or an acceptable behavior. Let me say it again, she looked on without any form of action to stop her daughter. It appeared that they enjoyed watching my son’s reactions, and my own reaction. You know Mama, at one time, I assumed that the little girl’s behavior was just a temporary phase, and that she would change her behavior at some point in time. Contrary to what I had assumed, the situation worsened, resulting to a marginalization of my son, and his growing timidity. Rather than find means to resolve the situation, the girl's mother defended her daughter’s behavior and threaten us. I still have that e-mail. Since then, and after seeking advice from colleagues and other professionals, I have avoided the family and vowed that if they ever came near my son, I will make use of every available option within the confines of the law to protect my son from any form, and or acts of abuse and bully.
So it came as quite a surprise that these kids saw my son with his classmates, and t they had the audacity to invade my son’s territory, just to pound on his head and demean him. Mama, ask the villagers to tell me … for what??? Wow, these people are brave? How dare these kids and their parents to consider my son their punching bag?
Mama, what really scared me about this whole scenario was a comment the boy once made. Guess what he said! One day he told me during a casual conversation that if my son ever visited them, they would use him [my son] for an experiment.
I asked, ‘what kind of experiment?”
The boy responded, “To see how long he can breathe.”
I was shock, but went on, “Do you want to kill my son.”
The boy’s response, ‘We have “antidote” in case anything happens to bring him back to life.”
When I informed the boy’s mom, she brushed it aside.
Can you picture such experiment with your grandson? Imagine the images that appeared in my mind that day, and other days whenever the thought of ever accepting the offfer to baby sit my son. I know that people from our village and surrounding clans will not allow their eight years old to toy with the idea of using a child for experiment, let alone express such. In this place, you have to be careful and on constant alert when it comes to raising kids. You see people, you interact with people, but you can assume to know them, or their thoughts. As parents here, we meet a lot of people at programs for kids: playgrounds, after school programs, etc. We meet at these places and try to mingle, setting aside our cultural and other backgrounds. But now I understand the dangers in mingling with people who are ignoramus, and cantankerous. Moreover, in a society where family values, love and nurturing kids are on the back seat, one has cautious about what children see, hear and live everyday, and everywhere.
Back to the situation on hand. It is too big to go under the carpet. Please Mama, don’t even start the little parables, and don’t even talk about kola nuts and white fowls. Most of the people here will eat our food with smiles that shows their jawbone teeth, but that is where it ends when it comes to tolerance.
Mama, I have forgiven them, but right now, I must be a parent to my son. This is about fulfilling my responsibilities, a duty and responsibility that I cherish, and fully embrace with my heart, soul and mind. If I neglect any part or aspects of this responsibility, then my entire life (my past and present, and perhaps my future) is a waste.
Mama, do you remember once when you took the rattan chair, share kola-nuts and ask me whether I didn’t like President Charles Taylor that was why I vigorously pursue highlighting human rights situation during his regime. What was my response? I said, “I don’t hate President Taylor, but like many others, I was a victim of the war; moreover, President Taylor’s policies and practices were not in the interest of the people and society.” Wait Mama, I know you may want to ask why I jumped from bullying to discussing ex President Charles Taylor. I am laying a premise to point out the degree at which I am pursuing this issue. The point here is this, Taylor was at the helm of power, what he was doing at that time affected me and my compatriots, thou not in the same direct manner that this lady have [directly] allowed her children to bully and brutalized my son. So if I could put my life on the line and vigorously pursue an issue that was somehow considered nationally “taboo” under President Taylor’s administration, then imagine the effort I am putting into an issue that has my child, a child divinely placed in my care, my biological child, my “only begotten son." Eh! Tell them, even raccoon knows what tree to clean his buttock on.
Mama, in this place, bully is a crime, however like all crimes, there must be investigations. So while the investigation is being carried out, we will continue to call on our elders to guide us in this situation. I have faith ‘as small as a custard seed,” that means mountains will move for us. God does not like ugly, God does not like evil. This situation is both evil and ugly. Bullying is evil; someone who bullies is a bully. A bully, according to The Free Dictionary is “a person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.” Imagine that!
You know Mama, there is no way, let me emphasize, NO WAY, [I put my finger on the ground, kiss it and put it upward] this thing will be disregarded, ignore, and ceased; therefore, we must reach the bottom of this situation. The law will take its course, nature will take its course, our elders in the remote part of the village are also sitting on the mat and breaking kola nuts on this situation, and every agents of the Shepherd from all corners of the earth and the Universe - North, South, West And East are implementing the relief the Shepherd has ordered, and adjudged regarding my petition on this issue. As I complete this section, I am reminded of this popular parable, "He who pursues an innocent chicken always stumbles." As simple as it may sound, perhaps they may need interpretation. Who knows, they might have to suck up their prejudice to ask some of our people to interprete this proverb.
Mama, thank you for all the night tales. I learn and apppreciate that our Shepherd loves little children, and I know that anyone who does wrong to a child puts their hands in the eyes of the God, the Shepherd.
Mama, that being said, this letter serves as part of the documentation of facts surrounding the bullying of my son by these children with the acquiesce of their parents. Along with other professionals, this issue will only find closure after the necessary measures are put in place to put a halt to this cruel and inhumane treatment, the binding of all such and similar acts by the perpetrators against my son, and full restitution, not money or material things, [I want nothing from them, and want nothing to do with them. I rub my heel in the dirt on that.] but the full weight of ALL the law for the acts deliberately and calculatedly carried out by this family against my son. There are laws against bully; however in this case, it is not only about bully, but also a case of physical, verbal abuse, among other cruelty, and I may even add stalking.
Mama, bullies hurt and sometimes kill their victims. Some victims have remained permanently damaged from being bullied. But Mama, do you know that bullies are also harmed in the process. You see, Mama, children learn what they live. There is a poem written by an author, Dr, Dorothy Law Nolte. Parts of the poem goes like this, "If children live with sharing, they learn generosity, If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.” Some people fail to understand that children pick on our ways of life, the way we regard others, the way we view others, and how we relate to our own kids. Along the way in life, we sometimes make mistakes, but we can learn to recognize our shortcomings, and do the right thing. In the same vein, we can take a stand against bully within our own life, by modeling anti bullying behaviors. If bullies are allowed to continue their behavior, the behavior becomes habitual. In the process, they do not develop a mature sense of justice. Besides, they tend to intimidate others to cover up their own insecurities, which make their own anxiety level to increase.
Doesn’t this sound like the song the old man used to sing: you do good, you do it for yourself, if you do bad, you do it to yourself.
Dr. Carol E. Watkins in an article, “Dealing with Bullies and How Not to be One,” said, “There are a number of reasons that a child or adolescent becomes a bully. He or she may need to cover his own feelings of inadequacy. He may lack good adult role models. If he sees parents bullying him or each other, he may regard this type of behavior as simply the way one should act.” That really sums it up.
Sometimes I say, “Yes, being a single parent is one challenging job, but it is one I will prefer to the alternative that was on the table.” You see, children can learn everything; it is just a matter of how we teach them, or what we exposed them to, or what they hear and see. Once children are expose to bullying, intolerance, greed, they are learning those attitudes and behaviors, and therefore will "live what they learn." In the same vein, if you want your five years old to learn 100 hundred sight words within a given period, you can teach them in one or more ways: motivate the child, expose them to the words,(which is letting them live the sight words, and they will learn them),teach them by identifying their intelligence(s) and using their learning styles. Let your child live love, they will learn learn to love, let your child live hate, they will learn hatred. It's like, you reap what you sow in children.
Mama, say hi to Karworlorwu, Dobarzee, Olman Poe, MaTete, and all the family, friends and villagers. I'm still waiting for the country soda.
In the main time, I am working with my son, and have consulted other family members who are providing us support to help my son overcome the situation, and also help me to remain focus.
I miss you dearly.
always,
musue
Friday, June 18, 2010
Random Thoughts: Giving - God is Not a Mob Boss
Dearest Mama,
Thanks for your response to my last letter, “Prayers for Sale.” Yea, yea, I know some folks had problems with the little true story. It is not a “They say story, it is something I saw with my own eyes, not once, not twice, but many times. I am not against street preaching, but I get discourage when I see people take advantage of others.
I do appreciate feedback from everyone, particularly those from the village. Thanks to Sikuno for her letter. I could tell from the manner it was packaged that she didn’t find my letter to you and the villagers favorable. I hope she is not one of those who is paying for prayers and blessings. If she is one of the victims of such schemes, I want her to know that God loves her, and his love and blessings are not for sale.
I also want to share with my sister Sikuno some captivating comments from a sermon at one of the churches here. Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach, in his preaching on tithing said, “ tithing is one of the ways God allow us [a choice he wants us to make] to create and protect our wealth and finances. In order to protect our finances from Satan, we must bring our tithe [10%] of our wealth into God’s store house.”
Bishop Johnson said, though God wants us to tithe, “God is not a Mob Boss, who will stick a gun to our heads demanding 10% of our income. Unlike the Mob Boss who will harass you to buy protection by giving, or threaten you and your families, the purpose of tithing is to show faith in God, that he [God] will take care of your needs and you will not have to rely on material things.”
I know, some people are already hissing their teeth at the mention of 10%. It is not necessary to get a lawyer to defend you in this matter, because in the Bible, it says, [Psalm 24:1] "The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His!" and honor him by giving our tithe.” Ah, let me quickly make a simple correction here. Yes, the earth belongs to God, and everything on this earth belongs to God. But that doesn’t mean we have to make the 10% payment of our income in the same manner we make our credit card payments, or the way we turn our heads when we pay our rent. We shouldn’t angrily or reluctantly pull out our check books, or tear money out our purses and wallets to buy money orders, and sign off the ten percent [in the same manner we make minimum payment to credit card companies] and turn our backs. This is not about law, it is about love.
Bishop said giving with love [God’s way] and giving according to the law [the Mob Boss’ way] are two contrasting issues. In his words, ‘Law is external, and not from the heart. Law can get people to conform externally, but cannot capture the heart. God wants us to give with love and faith. God wants us to believe him, he wants us to have faith, and he wants us to have a heart filled with love and faith – a place that better serves him.”
Bishop Johnson said, give with joy, be hilarious in your giving because you want to please God. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each man should give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Also remember in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Bishop added, “Giving to God hilariously makes our lives to come alive because the spirit of God’s grace can work through our prayers and all that we do.” [When I hear this I wanted to blow whistle.]
So, whatever you are thinking, please don’t think Aunty Margborlu can pay your tithe. PaGono can buy a gift for you, but he cannot pay your tithe. Leave Mr. PayZeh out of this too, he cannot pay your tithe. This is like a bundle we all have to carry on our own, and we must learn to do it with our hearts.
With love and faith in God, I will have to pay my tithe, and you will have to pay your tithe. As Bishop Johnson said, giving voluntarily, and giving hilariously to God is a way of “honoring him, it make us bigger, it make us rich in faith, and it is a way of activating God’s promises in our lives.”
I understand, and we all know that things are tough – the harvest is not very good this year. Even here, in the kwee people’s land, most offices have closed down, leaving many of us without jobs. But think about it this way, would you hold back on your 10% tithe so that you can have the 100% of your income without God’s blessings on your finances, or have 90% of your income with God’s blessings?
If you are still struggling with letting go of the 10%, look at these verses:
Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Malachi 3:10-12: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food [tithing in God’s house is the food, which provides the ability and finances for the church to reach out to others] in My house, and try Me now in this’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field’ says the LORD of hosts; ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land’ says the LORD of hosts.”
I know that by God’s grace, soon I will begin going on the farm again. Even in these rough times, I am seeing and appreciating God’s blessings when I tithe.
Mama, let me stop here. I must run to pick up your grandson. I missed the 3:00pm bus. Geez! The post guy said he wants you to send some country soda.
Always
musue
Thanks for your response to my last letter, “Prayers for Sale.” Yea, yea, I know some folks had problems with the little true story. It is not a “They say story, it is something I saw with my own eyes, not once, not twice, but many times. I am not against street preaching, but I get discourage when I see people take advantage of others.
I do appreciate feedback from everyone, particularly those from the village. Thanks to Sikuno for her letter. I could tell from the manner it was packaged that she didn’t find my letter to you and the villagers favorable. I hope she is not one of those who is paying for prayers and blessings. If she is one of the victims of such schemes, I want her to know that God loves her, and his love and blessings are not for sale.
I also want to share with my sister Sikuno some captivating comments from a sermon at one of the churches here. Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach, in his preaching on tithing said, “ tithing is one of the ways God allow us [a choice he wants us to make] to create and protect our wealth and finances. In order to protect our finances from Satan, we must bring our tithe [10%] of our wealth into God’s store house.”
Bishop Johnson said, though God wants us to tithe, “God is not a Mob Boss, who will stick a gun to our heads demanding 10% of our income. Unlike the Mob Boss who will harass you to buy protection by giving, or threaten you and your families, the purpose of tithing is to show faith in God, that he [God] will take care of your needs and you will not have to rely on material things.”
I know, some people are already hissing their teeth at the mention of 10%. It is not necessary to get a lawyer to defend you in this matter, because in the Bible, it says, [Psalm 24:1] "The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His!" and honor him by giving our tithe.” Ah, let me quickly make a simple correction here. Yes, the earth belongs to God, and everything on this earth belongs to God. But that doesn’t mean we have to make the 10% payment of our income in the same manner we make our credit card payments, or the way we turn our heads when we pay our rent. We shouldn’t angrily or reluctantly pull out our check books, or tear money out our purses and wallets to buy money orders, and sign off the ten percent [in the same manner we make minimum payment to credit card companies] and turn our backs. This is not about law, it is about love.
Bishop said giving with love [God’s way] and giving according to the law [the Mob Boss’ way] are two contrasting issues. In his words, ‘Law is external, and not from the heart. Law can get people to conform externally, but cannot capture the heart. God wants us to give with love and faith. God wants us to believe him, he wants us to have faith, and he wants us to have a heart filled with love and faith – a place that better serves him.”
Bishop Johnson said, give with joy, be hilarious in your giving because you want to please God. In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each man should give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Also remember in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8, Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Bishop added, “Giving to God hilariously makes our lives to come alive because the spirit of God’s grace can work through our prayers and all that we do.” [When I hear this I wanted to blow whistle.]
So, whatever you are thinking, please don’t think Aunty Margborlu can pay your tithe. PaGono can buy a gift for you, but he cannot pay your tithe. Leave Mr. PayZeh out of this too, he cannot pay your tithe. This is like a bundle we all have to carry on our own, and we must learn to do it with our hearts.
With love and faith in God, I will have to pay my tithe, and you will have to pay your tithe. As Bishop Johnson said, giving voluntarily, and giving hilariously to God is a way of “honoring him, it make us bigger, it make us rich in faith, and it is a way of activating God’s promises in our lives.”
I understand, and we all know that things are tough – the harvest is not very good this year. Even here, in the kwee people’s land, most offices have closed down, leaving many of us without jobs. But think about it this way, would you hold back on your 10% tithe so that you can have the 100% of your income without God’s blessings on your finances, or have 90% of your income with God’s blessings?
If you are still struggling with letting go of the 10%, look at these verses:
Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Malachi 3:10-12: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food [tithing in God’s house is the food, which provides the ability and finances for the church to reach out to others] in My house, and try Me now in this’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field’ says the LORD of hosts; ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land’ says the LORD of hosts.”
I know that by God’s grace, soon I will begin going on the farm again. Even in these rough times, I am seeing and appreciating God’s blessings when I tithe.
Mama, let me stop here. I must run to pick up your grandson. I missed the 3:00pm bus. Geez! The post guy said he wants you to send some country soda.
Always
musue
Monday, June 14, 2010
Random Thoughts: Prayers and God's Blessings For Sale
Dearest Mama,
It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:
The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.
Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!
From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.
Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.
Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.
During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!
As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.
Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.
Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.
In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.
What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."
He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."
Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they robbing God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?
What does the Bible say about robbing God?
Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."
After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?
Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”
Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.
He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?
Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”
Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!
Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!
Always,
musue
When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. However when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, it is easy to find ourselves on the street with a "street preacher."
It’s been a long time since we used this medium to communicate. It’s great to be back here. Do you find this http://musuehaddad-poems.blogspot.com/; the conduit we used during the last few months interesting? I’m certain we can use boths outlets to continue our communication. By his grace, during my next communication, I will try to look at the allegations that Former President Charles Taylor gave supermodel Naomi Campbell uncut “blood diamonds” while the two attended a dinner at the home of Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Well, how are the folks out there? Whether one is interested in gossip from the village, or not, it is almost impossible not to hear some of the phrases:
The town chief said one thing, but did the opposite; Kortoe Kpolo jumped through a window the night before his wedding; Seletah wedding dress was not “fine;” the minister said rat ate the tithe from the altar; Taplah trouser burst; … blah, blah, blah.
Not once did I hear from the mongers that a certain so and so decided to pay full arrears of their tithe; or that someone willing helped a child, or offered help without seeking publicity, or something in return.
What a world!
From this end, the kwee people’s place, (America), it is all about jobs, economics, jobs, economics, then politics, then jobs, economics, and the rest follow. It seems like almost every thing here has to do with economics.
Reflecting on the economic situations and increasing unemployment here reminds me of the period when the “war just ended” back in the village. Hunger was on the rise, unemployment high, everyone was desperate; people stepped on one another to reach the top. It didn’t matter who was at the bottom – the elderly, a child, children, pregnant women, or a widow, or widower. It was all about survival. If you think I am lying, go and take a look at the monument at the pavilion. I really don’t know where Late President Doe got the idea that a statue depicting half naked, desperate people battling one another to climb a totem pole has any relationship to freedom, liberty or human rights.
Now back to the era when actual fighting on the streets has ceased, it appeared that the fighting hopped into homes, the minds and bellies of our visibly weary folks who were clearly desperate for survival.
During that period, street preachers placed prayers, and what they claimed was God’s blessings in categories. After making the distinctive categories of the “prayers and blessings,” they then placed a price tag on the different levels of prayers, and the blessings it provided. Price tags at the top were heavy because according to the street preachers, such fees provided immediate blessings, and positive answers to their prayer requests. Lower fees did not provide full response to prayer requests. For lower fees, or dollars, our folks were told, they would receive tiny winy blessings. Sometimes, they claimed the price tag was actually tithe associated with each of the prayer and blessings. The more , and higher (tithe)a person give, the street preacher promised that God would give them a greater blessing. Phewwwwww!
As I watched one of these settings in the middle of Broad Street, opposite the Immigration Offices, I was perplexed. The street preachers easily persuaded many of our desperate town’s people that they could pay for prayers, and receive blessings. Or did our folk feel intimidated, or did they feared the wrath of God, or the curse of the “preachers?” I can’t say, but something was amiss. As the collection basket was brought forth, it quickly filled with money: bundles, single notes, wrinkle notes, etc. Interestingly, as the “preachers” continued to sell their messages, people kept going back and forth to put more “tithe” in the basket.
Several questions came to mind as I watched our impoverished folks emptied their pockets, and unfolded the knots at the edge of their lappas; many quickly opened the money bag they carried underneath their lappas; the guys hurriedly opened their wallets; the women their purses, believing that the street preacher had a direct contact with God, and that he, the street preacher “was the way, the truth and the light” to their blessings.
Tithe is a complex, and yet a simple practice. Tithe is practice in several religions. In Islam, tithe, or almsgiving is called Zakat. Zakat is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," and is an important religious obligation that requires Muslims to gave certain percentage of their wealth as zakat.
In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is also practiced as a ymbolic connection to the spiritual, and to show humbleness and respect. In addition, Buddhism believe in the concept of Karma, which basically says whatever we do, whatever we say, or intend comes back to us.
What does the Bible tell us about Tithe?
Bishop Darlington Johnson of Bethel World Outreach Church has been discussing Tithing. He made references to several Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which states "one-tenth of all that comes into your [our] possession, belongs to God."
He explained that God is blessed by our tithe, and tithing is an expression of our love and obedience to Him. Bishop added that tithing is for our own benefit, it is a way for God to bless us. To further elaborate on the importance of tithing, Bishop said, "Tithing/giving honors God, it makes us bigger inside, and things become better outside, tithing makes us rich in faith, and it activates God's promises."
Bishop Johnspon then made reference to the law of sowing and reaping, which is illustrated in verse, Gal. 6: 7, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [are you sowing loving and faithfully] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
The Bible verse, Gal. 6: 7 takes us back to the street preaching. Were our folks sowing lovingly and faithfully? Were the street preachers sowing lovingly and faithfully to God? Were they truly serving God, or their own interest? Were they robbing God, or using the name of God to rob our impoverished town folks?
What does the Bible say about robbing God?
Malachi 3:8 states:
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings."
After reading that verse, doesn’t it sound like it would be better to rob a place than to rob the bank of Heaven?
Malachi 3: 8 – 10 discusses tithing and giving:
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Tithing allows God’s grace to work on our behalf, as I have understood it. My parents were very heavy on Tithing, and the Bible is clear about tithing. Bishop Johnson simplified the tithing principle: He [God] gives unto us, we give back to Him[God} one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with.”
Bishop added, 'Grace works through faith. Grace shows through our work/actions, and obedience. Faith moves us to get in position to receive what grace has already provided.
He then illustrated the idea of faith, and grace, using the scenario of a mail man who comes to deliver a package. He said, by giving loving, and faithfully, we are present when the mailman comes to deliver the package[blessings], otherwise, we are not present, therefore the package in undelivered, and returned to sender. Do you want to be absent when the mail man comes to deliver a package that contains a much desired gift?
Doesn’t it sound beautiful, Mama. Tithing has nothing to do with how much tithe one offered, or how big or little our one tenth tithe is. It has to do with our faith and love in tithing. Bishop Johnson said that tithing has to be given voluntarily, willingly, and cheerfully, adding, “Be hilarious in your giving.”
Midway during his sermon, Bishop Johnson created a mental scenario of God and the Mob Boss to simplified the importance of tithing, and the contrast between giving to the Mob Boss and giving to God. That scenario was hilarious!
Mama, I never imagined God and a Mob Boss being in the same sentence. Have you??? Well, in my next mail, I will be looking at what motivates us to give to the Mob Boss, and giving to God. Watch Out!!
Always,
musue
When bellies are empty; when bills are outstanding; when school fees and rent are piling up, it takes a lot of guts, love, and faith to pay tithe. However when bills keep piling, and job is hard to come by, it is easy to find ourselves on the street with a "street preacher."
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