No "I" In Fear

I once read a Facebook status that said, “There is no “I” in fear, so take the fear out of your eyes. There is an “I” in faith, so walk in it”. I found that to be very interesting, and yet profound. When you think about it, the only time there is fear is when we place it in our own midst. When an unknown circumstance arises, the first thing that we do is fear instead of pray. We immediately try to figure out how we can maneuver ourselves out of the situation with fear as a false guide instead of activating our faith and relying totally on God. It is only when we activate our faith that our fear dissipates. So remember that there is no “I” in fear but there is one in FAITH. Use the faith given by the Holy Ghost, and let Him lead you from the dark times into the Promised Land.

On This Day

Those of us who have families filled with young ones running throughout the house have heard about this day since maybe early July, and possibly sooner. Every other commercial on television contained an item that was added to the ever-growing Christmas list, while other items were eliminated. Nevertheless, while we are opening presents and enjoying the company we have with others, let us not forget that also on this day, the greatest present from the Giver of all was born in a manger in the city of David, in a little town called Bethlehem. God Himself came in the form of Jesus, to become one of us just so that He can give Himself to us and bring us back to the Father. He is the reason for this season, and every other season in our lives. Merry Christmas everyone, and remember that the greatest gift that you can give to God is the gift of yourself.

A Way of Escape

There is a church in Cleveland , OH that is aptly named Way of Escape Ministries. When I learned of this local assembly, I immediately felt the need to dedicate this blog to the concept of their name. The Bible declares in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven”. I believe that one of the most difficult things in life, is understanding why certain things happen in our life. Here is the answer: it has an allotted time to complete its purpose. I once heard someone say that it may not be good for me while it is working, but it is working out for my good. No matter what the situation is, believe that its purpose is divinely orchestrated, and that a way of escape has also been divinely appointed, especially for those difficult times. Those times where temptation comes along and you find yourself yielding towards its gravitational pull, there is a way of escape. So don’t worry about how you will come out of the valley, but believe that your valley experience is on a time limit.

Process is Inevitable

No matter what the situation, the theme of process is inevitable. When arriving at a decision, a process is used. When choosing which course to travel to make manifest a decision, again process is used. Nothing is overnight, but through process is success achieved. Don't run when process is present, but embrace it for it is inevitable.

Imagine Me

There are times when we as individuals begin to wonder what life would be like if we would have played our cards just a little differently. We begin to ask ourselves questions such as, “what if I had chosen this school?” or “should I have really taken this job?”, and then there is, “is this really the person I am supposed to spend the rest of my life with?” Now, allow me to throw this at you: ask yourself if you can imagine yourself NOT having made the decisions that you have made. I mean, depending on where you are in life, you may think that life could be a little bit better. However, Ecc 3:1 declares that there is a time AND a purpose for everything under the heaven, meaning that your current position was ordained by God before the earth began. There is a reason that you are in the place that you are. What we are to do is ask God what the purpose is for our current place, and then ask Him for divine direction in heading in the right direction from here. Remember that where you are right now is not necessarily where God wants you to stay!

Be Faithful

Along the lines of the Tiger Woods controversy comes this thought: Is it really that hard to remain faithful? Can we stay faithful to something else than the way we make our money? Think of it in this manner: If we can be faithful to a job and hold that down for years upon end, can we not remain faithful in other areas as well? Can we be faithful tithers? Can we be faithful members? Can we faithful pastors, preachers, teachers? Do we really need incentives now for us to remain faithful? I pray that day never comes. Brethren, let us remain faithful in the things we commit to. The work may be arduous, but the reward shall be great.

No Time Like the Present

Many of us can attest to saying something along the lines of "I have got to get it together", indicating that are waiting for something extraodinary to happen that will cause immediate change. While in some instances this can be true, other times change comes through work, perserverance and committment. It also awaits the one who will embrace it without delay. There is no time like the present, so why wait any longer? Change is inevitable, but timing is of the essence.

Free Your Mind

There was a song sung years ago by en vogue that said “free your mind and the rest will follow”. This couldn’t be truer of the world. The world is filled with so many religions, inventions, ways of thinking and so forth. And it is all because someone thought of a way to do something someone is doing but just a little bit different. If you keep doing the same thing but expect different results, you have adopted the mentality of an insane person. However, if you allow your mind to be free and clear of all distractions and malice, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Then once your mind is free, the rest of you will have no choice but to follow. Go ahead. Free your mind, and indeed the rest will follow you.

Pray

I feel the need to encourage everyone, especially the men, to pray. Pray for one another. We don't know what each other is going through, but know that someone somewhere is going through something. Prayer can make the difference. Pray for the families at Fort Hood and the office park in Orlando. Pray for their comfort in this time of bereavement. Men are to always pray and not faint.

Keep You Word

“If I said it, then I will do it” is a phrase often heard but rarely followed. I believe this is part of the reason why things are the way they are. So many people have promised things, said they would do such and such, but in the end the only thing left behind is a cloud of dust symbolizing the trail they left because they have abandoned ship before completing the work. This practice has got to stop. Please do what it is you say you will do. We are quick to quote the scripture that declares “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13), but where is that boldness when it comes down to the work? Keep your word, and make good on your promises.

Watch what you say ....

Remember the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”? I have found that this saying cannot be more wrong. In this era, I would rather have stones thrown at me than words. Stones leave scars that can heal. Words, if not carefully said, can leave wounds and scars that could possibly never heal. I encourage you my brethren to watch what you say and of whom you speak about. Words can become twisted and turned to such a degree that you wouldn’t even recognize your own dialogue if it returned to you. Watch what you say, or what you say could definitely come back not only to haunt you, but eventually hurt you.

Keep Going

Sometimes in life there will be times and situations that will test the very strength that we possess. They will sometimes force us to embark onto journeys unknown, lead us down paths that are seemingly endless, and make us come to conclusions and endings that we never thought we would find ourselves at. Also along those times, we will undoubtedly encounter periods where we feel like giving up. We will want to throw in the towel because we feel like we have given everything that we can and we have done all that we can do. We must understand that this race isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. We are reminded that the race isn’t given to the swift, neither to the strong, but to the one that shall endure to the end. There isn’t much endurance needed to sprint to the finish line, but as marathons last the body calls on the endurance training it has gone through before the race to carry it to the finish line. So keep going, for you are almost there. You can make it. You will finish strong.

Good Job

With all of the phrases surrounding the black man, one phrase that you probably do not here too often is “good job”. Some common phrases that are synonymous with the black man is “jail time”, “dead beat”, “no good…….” What about the ones who are fulfilling their destiny and their names aren’t LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Terrell Owens or Tiger Woods? What about the man who works 9-5, double shifts every other weekend and still finds the time to take his kids to the movies or to a local sporting event? What about the man who may be unemployed, but isn’t looking to make a quick buck standing on the corner with his hands in his pockets? When was the last time someone told him he is doing a good job? We are quick to acknowledge those in the armed forces, and rightfully so. However, there are some men who haven’t fought in one military battle but still fight wars on a daily basis. Is he any less of a man because he has less than what someone else may have? God forbid. Let me be the first to tell you my brother, my friend, my fellow soldier, Good job and keep up the good work. Know that your labor isn’t in vain, but you will reap exactly what you have sown.

Why Me ?

There are times where situations and circumstances will prompt this very question. Sometimes we know the answers, while at other times the answers elude our most intellectual of thinking. Well, allow me to answer that question by posing another: why not you? You say that there aren’t too many things that you fear. You say that you are a man, and all that it entails. Well, step up to the plate and swing. Sometimes the simple things confound the wise, but in the end answers are provided and problems are solved. Don’t worry about the reason why it happens, but know that you are able to handle it, or it wouldn’t have happened at all.

Not About You .......

Let's get one thing straight: This isn't about you. So often you here someone say, "I did what I thought was best". Best for who? Did you consider long-term effects, or were you looking at just short term? Don't get me wrong.......sometimes desperate times cause for desperate measures, but if we can avoid those desperate times it would make for the better. So what am I saying? Simply remember that being selfish isn't always a good thing. There are others who need what you have every once in a while.

LIFT HIM UP

The last thing that we as men need to do is to put one another down. There is enough of that being done by everyone else. What isn't happening enough is the good man being appreciated for what he is doing or trying to do. Or better yet, assisting the man who is trying to get his life back together after being detoured. We lurk in the shadows waiting for him to fall, or we become jealous of his progress and try to cause him to regress by recalling his past. Stop this! Encourage your brother! Lift him if he slips! It may be you needing a lift the next time.

Stop Talking

I have seen this too often. It is growing out of control, and nothing is being done about it. We are quick to talk about a problem, but slow to solve the same problem. We will say how this should happen and that should happen, but then we are the same people who will offer up every excuse we can think of when we are asked to help. Like the saying goes: If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Actions speak louder than words.

Go Ahead ........ It's OK

When was the last time that you told your fellow man that you loved him? For those of us who have either younger or older siblings, when did you last tell him how much he meant to you? This has become sort of taboo in today’s society, given the nature of man today. Can you tell him that you love him without adding “man” at the end? We say that we are comfortable enough to do it, so go ahead. It’s ok. Tell him that you love him. He will appreciate it.

Why Wait

Men have often used the phrase, "I will wait until I get myself together" before making a decision to settle down. We want to make sure we are "together". Allow me to submit to you that we will miss out on the greatest relationship if we keep waiting before we say yes to Jesus Christ. He will accept us just as we are, and not only that, He will help us "get it together". So why wait? Try Christ. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

P.U.S.H.

I don’t think that there are too many people who have not heard this phrase before. If they have not heard it, they may have seen it on several occasions. This phrase normally means Pray Until Something Happens. However, I want to put a new version of it out there: Pursue Until Something Happens. Too often we as Christian men, and men in general, tend to back off if nothing happens in the timeframe that we have so graciously “allotted” for something to manifest. We will usually say that it wasn’t meant to be if it doesn’t happen. But I believe that we have forgotten to pursue, literally go after, that which we know should happen. For those who are married or in a committed relationship, this concept was most prevalent in chasing our mate. Pursue my friend, pursue. A piece of advice: do not mistake God’s delay for denial.

Think on this .........

If you have the resources to help someone turn their life around for the better, would you not use them? If the gift of deliverance was granted unto you, should you not give it as it was given to you? I have seen too many situations where someone remained lost because someone simply turned the other way. Where has the help gone? Where did the desire to be a blessing to someone else's life disappear to? Hezekiah Walker sang it so clearly: "I need you to survive". Please don't leave me out here wounded. Help me.

Make Time

I believe one of the problems of the world today is that we do not take the time to appreciate the finer things in life. In a world where the “finer” things in life consist of jewelry, money, fast cars, and beautiful women, the under-appreciated things that encompassed what could be easily defined as “finer” have simply gone under the radar. One very important thing is spending time. We have found other things to do with our time, but it seems that family only gets together on one of three occasions: a death, a marriage, or a national holiday that requires cooking. I believe that we need to embrace the art of spending time again, not just with family, but with God also. He is not a genie in a lamp, nor is He a quick fix when you find yourself in a bind. The latter part of Hebrews 11:6 declares that “He is a reward of them who diligently seek Him”. Webster defines “diligent” as: showing persistent and hard working effort in doing something. Persistence meaning on more than one occasion, not just when it is convenient for us. Spend time my friends with family, with friends, and most importantly, with God.

Under Control

The Bible declares in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves”. We have to understand the concept here is that of self-control. In a movie I once watched, one line that forever stuck with me was that anger clouds the mind. I have yet to meet someone who made a sound judgment when they are controlled by anger. I just wanted to encourage anyone who is reading this to maintain a level of self-control. No, we won’t always been in the greatest of moods, nor will we always be around the most positive people. However, possessing a great amount of self control will prove its worth in the long run of life. So try to keep yourself under control, so that you do not spiral out of control and find yourself in place where you have no control.

The Return

Often times we as men have been labeled as a species that tends to not speak when it matters the most. Especially in these times, the man has, in a sense, forgotten his rightful place in life. Once we were the unquestioned leaders of generations. Our mouth piece determined the course of action for an unprecedented number of people. We ruled with an iron fist, while providing for our families with an uncompromised hand. Now we have taken a back seat for fear of not fitting in. Alternative discipline has now taken the place of what we were raised on while growing up. We have allowed women to raise our young men, while we as the “leader” have stepped further and further into their shadow. It is time for us as the “head” of the household to make our return to prominence. We must step up as this generation is in desperate need of guidance, leadership, motivation and discipline. When we do, it will mark the beginning of our reclaiming our homes and communites

When you fall ..... RISE

The Bible declares in Proverbs 24:16, "A righteous man falleth seven times, but rises again......." Many times as African American men, we find ourselves in a place we seldomly like to be in: the past. We did not journey there ourselves. We more than likely have been placed there against our will by words that have been said that transported somewhere we tried long to forget. We then dwell there, sometimes unknowingly, reminiscing and replaying the event all while thinking how things could have gone differently.

My brother, take heed to the opening scripture. We WILL fall.....even the most assured and careful and just man will. It isnt done purposely, for human nature dictates it. But the one who exhibits wisdom will rise again, dust himself off, and resume on with his life. Live my brother. Live your life.

Salute .......

Too many times we hear about the negative side of our brothers and not enough of the positive.We often talk about the prison population, but not enough of the percentage of black men enrolling into college, no matter the figure. We often talk about those that stand on the corner all day, but hardly mention those who are at work all day and then go home to their families. We talk about the ones who don't want to make a difference with their lives, but hardly talk about those whose life made a difference and continues to make a difference. So to my brethren, I say keep your head up.....keep fighting the good fight. If no one else applauds you, I, your brother, salute you.

QUOTE from Lavelle Eagle

Be careful of whose hands you place your desire of elevation....to be elevated by man is to be exposed to downnfall. But to be elevated by the hand of the Lord is to watch humility in its finest hour.

To Be Used for God's Glory ..........

When we say that we want to be used for the glory of God, do we really understand what we are really asking? I was once told that we as the saints of God carry His glory. That simply means that we carry Him and His power everywhere we go. But what happens when we enter into a place that does not resemble who we are? Now this doesn't necessarily mean a physical building. How about when we enter into a trial or a tribulation; a situation or a circumstance that we have no clue on how to get out of? Remember two things: the Word declares that, "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way" and " The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished". God knows exactly what he is doing, for remember that a piece of Him is deposited in you. When God has received a total commitment from you, He shall indeed test you. If we can test Him at His word concerning our finances, does he not reserve the right to test us concerning life? After all, he is the "author and finisher of our faith". But be not discouraged, for "all things work together for GOOD for them that love the Lord and are the called according to his purpose".

What does it mean to be Free?

What does it mean to be free? We live in a nation whose principles for equality includes the phrase, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", so can one really say that they have freedom of choice, speech, and all of the other "freedoms" that comes along with citizenship?

We as a people spend so much time complaining about the things we do not have, we forget where our true freedom lies. The Word of God declares us to "stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Understand what this means. Despite what limitations this nation places on its people, the people of God must realize that Christ has freed us from the laws of this world. This does not give us a free pass to live a sinful life. It does, however, grant us access to a place once forbidden to us, but because of the Resurrection we may come bodly before the Throne. Let us live the way we were created to live: freely.

Purpose

Have you ever been at a place in life where massive potential has been deposited in you? You seek to unleash its awesome power, but feel that you have no purpose upon which to release it? If you have ever been in this place or you find yourself there at this very moment, may I request a room on the same floor as you?

I know that I am not the only one who has heard the phrase, "so much potential lies within you", so I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. If you do not feel this way, keep living. You will, sooner or later. I remember some years ago, I was at my old junior high school, and my former basketball coach asked me if I was playing basketball anywhere. By this time I was a freshman in high school. When I told him that I wasn't, his reply was, and I quote, "what a waste of talent". Those words still ring loud and clear almost 15 years later. In other words, I had the potential to do something with the skills given to me; however I have not embraced the purpose to which they were given.

Romans 1:20 says that we as the saints of God know and understand the power of God, therefore we have no excuses. The Word of God also declares in Ecc. 3:1 that there is a time and a SEASON for everything. Before He created, He knew the PURPOSE for the creation, and therefore instilled deep within the creation the POTENTIAL for the creation to embrace its DESTINY. So count it all joy when your potential has been realized, because that means that your destiny awaits you. Remember that the race is not given to the swift, neither to the strong, but to he that ENDURES to the end. Your time will come. The question is will you be ready to unleash the potential, and walk in your PURPOSE!!!

What does it means to be Young & Black today?

Can a young man in today's society completely and, most importantly accurately, define who he is? In an era where the idea of having both mother and father figure present in the same household is no longer prevalent or, according to some, necessary, today's young man has been given the daunting task of sculpting an image that he deems worthy of an ever so critical and diverse society. While the possibilities of being WHAT you want to be are seemingly endless, WHO you want to be is becoming an increasingly coveted topic.

Even as this is being written, a young man is mapping out what direction he wants his adolescent life to take. However, chances are he has no idea what challenges, courses, and ultimately consequences lie in wait for him. Has it been instilled into him the basic formula that "for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction"? Or the more popular saying "what goes around comes around"? Can one really say that adequate time has been invested into the cultivating and molding processes that helped shape a countless number of generations before him? Looking at the general young male population, the answer may not agree with what today's young man wants to believe.

Even now more than ever, young men, especially young Black men, are being introduced to and becoming acquainted with alternate lifestyles that, as of late, are becoming commonplace in today's society. If you are reading this, it is because you have witnessed the same things that I have, or you have seen something that prompts a response and you are looking for help. I encourage you to continue to "fight the good fight of faith". This generation is not lost, but simply misguided.

What A MONTH!

This has been the craziest month and a half of my life. The launch of the magazine, my first concert, sales meeting, writer conferences, hiring staff, church, work, and school. The list could really continue, but I wouldn’t change a thing. For those who are following the blog, forgive me for not writing I'm trying to find an equilibrium, where I can fit everything in one day and still get at least 5 hours of sleep a night. I was thinking on yesterday on yesterday, “What if I had children?” Since Father’s Day is coming up I don’t think I would want to have started this adventure while being a parent. All I think about is this magazine and how can I make it better. How do I best serve you the reader? Many of you have sent wonderful words of encouragement through Face book, please continue and most importantly leave comment s on face book, write us, tell me what you’re thinking. It’s late and I have Sunday School n the morning. Until next time, God Bless!

Did I write that ? .........

I am about to talk about a topic that NO BLACK MAN will touch. Friday was one of the biggest days of my life. I got my official business certificate for Nebo Publishing, the company that will bring you this online magazine. And I had no to share it with; yes I have friends’, really good friends. But they weren’t the person you want to grow old with. So even though I am so excited, there is a tad feeling of being lonely. No friend is going to rub head and no family member is going share that kind of joyous and exuberating feeling the way a mate would have(I hope). So what I am I trying to say? I truly believe I have found the purpose or reason for me to be on this earth. Now I want someone to share this and other life experiences with.

Already Alright

Early this morning after not sleeping much, I awoke singing (ad-libbing of course):

“God has not promised me sunshine, that’s not the way it’s going to be. “ (WHY) Cause sometimes we have to get a little rain, then it gets mixed with a little of God’s sunshine, you know some grace, mercy, with a sprinkle of love and dash of meekness, a cup of temperance. You know to remind you that you can’t have everything your way and you are still evolving. In school I give little self-checks to measure what the students know and to remind them what areas they’re still struggling with or gage how well they can solve a specific type of problem. Well same with us, these little bumps are just a reminder that we still have some growing to do but, shows where growth has occurred. I don’t handle a problem or a stumbling block the way I handled it in 2008, hopefully I have matured. Also, things could be worse and here I am belly aching over something that could and can be fixed if I would just remember whose child I really am. Even the last line of the Hawkins’ song gives you hope:”For it will be ALIRGHT”. And it’s that we all are looking for, just a reminder that yes before, during and after the storm that EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.

Introducing ...

This has been the most exciting and exhausting time in my life. The juggling act of working, school, church and starting a business has been mind blowing. But I wouldn’t change the last few weeks for anything. This is the most free I have felt in my adult life. My pastor (Pastor Andre Clark, New Direction Christian Fellowship) a couple of years ago, spoke a message entitled “Dream Big”. I wanted to but I was scared, scared of failure, of rejection that I put off doing what I was meant to do for 2 whole years. Since I as a kid, I wanted to have my own magazine. I would get a magazine and first look for the editor, publisher, photographer, and writers. Always wishing and hoping that someday when someone opened a magazine that they would see my name. Well now I have thrown away fear and picked up purpose. As many of you know I am a singer and I love to sing, but I have been blessed to have people placed in my path that I have picked up nuggets of information and knowledge. And through my pastor’s message, was reminded to dream and not fear.

The purpose of this magazine is to inspire, educate, and inform. Topics from dating to destiny, sorrow to glory, monogamy to infidelity, from sex to abstinence, from politics to prayer, from hip hop to literature, from devotion to how to better study God’s word. These and many other topics will be discussed inside this magazine. I have already been advised on topics I shouldn’t touch, which in turn will be the very topics that will be written about in this publication. My prayer is to minister to the whole man both young and not so young. To have an outlet where we as men can pose a question and get a response that is meaningful and based on the word of God. I want to help us take better care of ourselves, how to make money work for us, how to make ourselves marketable in this shrinking economy, overall to have a positive impact in the lives of Black Christian Men.

So please join me on this new journey and let’s grow in grace together.

Charles Clark, Jr., Publisher/Editor
www.brothaonline.com

*This first blog is dedicated to my father, the late Rev. Charles Clark, Sr. 1946-2002