Who Are Your True Friends?

Original first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation

Your true friends, who are they? The imperfect one says this to himself, and his true friends:
"Understand something please... you are and always will be good enough, regardless to what anyone else ever says."

The imperfect one has been told at least once, well more than that he's pretty certain, that people were doing something for his benefit. The part where your parents tell you that they are grounding you, or going to punish you for your own good, well that part's true. When a person claiming to be your friend tells you that, you know it's time to take cover. What that person is telling you is that you are not worth the effort.

February 13, 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. For the benefit of a people, and a nation, slavery was abolished. Freedom is a wonderful thing isn't it? It is until someone sends a family or another individual out with no food, no funds, and literally no way to survive. That type of freedom is not for their benefit. That type of freedom is not beneficial to anyone.

"I'll be around ain't going nowhere..."

People say they'll be there for you, that is until you need something, then unlike 311's promise (I'll be around ain't going nowhere), and more like Karl's tag on the Parkway sign (above picture upper right hand corner)... they become temporary acquaintances rather than life long friends. People argue, and break up over totally ridiculous things. Two people meet, and have coffee and great conversation. They become friends and talk everyday for months, then one finds out that the other pulls for a rival school in college hoops, and they suddenly hate and shun one another! A husband and wife, best friends for years, are doing well until the general election sees the wife agree with the Democratic candidate, and the husband favor the GOP candidate. This difference sees them divorce over two people that they do not even know personally, and know very little about at all. They are only certain of two policies, and because of those policies they argue, don't make up, and divorce! Don't be a "Karl was here," be a "Karl IS here." If you can't talk everyday anymore, so be it, but at least be civil and talk. You never know, one day you just might need the person you turned your back on! Be-trayal, is not always a bee-line trail, or a "be gone". Judas betrayed Jesus, and was terribly upset with his (Judas) own actions. He went to the people that encouraged him to betray Jesus to make things right. The holier than thou priesthood turned him away and said that the damage was done. Judas went to everyone but the right person to ask for forgiveness, and to right the wrong. He felt that Jesus was going to die anyway, and that if he was seen with Jesus that he to would be put to death. Rather than turn to Jesus (his true friend) he went to those that cared for no one, and his fate was much worse. He betrayed his God, then himself! You don't have to go away for the sake of someone else to make it right, and be friends. It's much better when you can sit and settle things with the one that needs you. We can't afford to be a Judas or leave a Judas out there alone. Why? Because if we wait for them (the Judas') to hit rock bottom and think that then they will have no choice but to seek help we could be too late. Will they seek help, or do you care friend? Did you lie when saying that you would be there always? So are you asking this now: "They will seek help after rock bottom, right?" Perhaps if death doesn't find them first they will. The imperfect one does not ever want anyone to hear, coming from his mouth, that he is not going to be there for someone, or able to be their friend, or tell them anything negative for that matter when he said that he would be, then try and convince them it's because it's best for them. No matter what the circumstance! No matter what the circumstance! Yes, I repeated myself purposely and with emphasis for a reason. If you are my friend, then you will remain my friend. You can't force anyone to be friendly to you, the imperfect one understands this, but even in their rudeness, or hurt, you can still be there for them, to show them what true friendship is all about. You don't have to abandon other friends for this person, or walk away from family, just have a heart. We are all human, and we all make mistakes. This past year has been quite a learning experience for the imperfect Christian. If the imperfect Christian called you a friend, then you are still a friend. Friends must show themselves friendly. (Proverbs 18:24)

The INterview

Like a boss in an INterview, we should listen. How do you know if that person has what it takes to fit in if you don't listen? Friends or IN, and they listen. Jesus said to Judas, and I'm paraphrasing: Friend do what you have to do. Jesus knew what was coming and still gave Judas a chance to be heard, but Judas didn't say a word with words, just an act of betrayal. (Matthew 26:50)

The imperfect one finds it overly humorous that someone would say that other people don't know when to shut up, or that they totally ruined a good time because of too much talk, then overtly teach someone else how ridiculous it is to make such statements because all they know how to do is run their mouth. Unfortunately it takes someone else to show us that sometimes we are that person to other people. Sometimes to the talker we talk too much, go figure. Is anyone listening yet, or are you waving your hands and talking bad about the IMPERFECT Christian now too? Were we sharing and venting way too much when we should have been caring and circumventing? Sometimes you have to go around the nonsense to get to the heart of the matter. To do that we have to walk in silence and listen. Therefore, today the imperfect one would like to apologize for talking to much, and saying the unnecessary things. Yes, even to the talker, because the imperfect one should have loved you enough to keep his big mouth shut and listen. He will try to do better next time if you will let him.

Guilt should not be confused with hurt. Business as usual, did you have to do that, or did you really hear something tell you how wrong you were this morning? For the good of who? "I'm doing this for the good of you!" Well for the good of you friend, like Jesus I will call you friend and mean it, even if it means the death of me. Jesus went to the cross for all, but only some accepted. So goes life when you give your all to a friend. For some that's still not good enough, but it doesn't mean that you are not good enough. Don't be a doormat, just be a friend. I know how all of those words, and actions have made me feel, and I know what it's like to have someone look you dead in the eye, and more or less tell you with not only words but actions as well, that they do not care if you live or die for another second. Well the imperfect one cares. The imperfect one may not have all the answers, and he is definitely no savior, but he is a friend that will listen. He is having a hard time learning to listen like Jesus though. Listening after betrayal is a tough pill to swallow, but unfortunately the imperfect one knows that it can be done. He knows from Jesus' teaching, and from personal experience.

The imperfect one also knows what it's like for someone to tell him that they are going to do something, and find out that it was only lip service. "Let me come help you!" "I'd do anything for you!" "I'll always be here." The only soul that will guarantee any of those things is God, and a true best friend, if one is fortunate to know either of them. The imperfect one is grateful for the true best friend. If he needed $1,000 there are a few that would give it if they had it to give. There are few that would truly give, but thank God for the few. The few that you would give to someone that they didn't even know. The few that would give to someone after being neglected, abused, betrayed, or misused in the worse way if the need was real. Even if that person wasn't appreciative of the giver! Jesus was that friend.

The imperfect one knows a little something about what Jesus faced in being falsely accused as well. The imperfect one knows what it's like to be rightly and falsely accused. He knows that it's painful to face the music sometimes. He also knows that it's very difficult not to think about revenge when he walks into the concert hall of lies, and anger strikes after the music has been playing out of tune, the lyrics lie, and he can only think about wanting to smash somebodies pipe organ! He understands but wishes that he didn't understand the latter feelings as well as he does.

He knows what it's like to feel less than worthy of someones love, and appreciation. He knows how it feels when a friend says that they never felt good enough. You dear reader may be saying that you have been hurt, and mistreated too, that you are not good enough. Well there are some of us that know those feelings too, you are not alone. Be encouraged however, and know that even when a friendship is on the line, or perhaps even a life is on the line, you have a friend that is right there! The imperfect one wishes that he could be for a lot more of his friends, but he knows that even when he can't cover you, that Jesus has got all of us covered. You dear friend that cared enough to read, were and will be better than just "good enough" to me!

It wasn't about money, or an exchange of favors, in fact it wasn't anything remotely close to that, it was simply about two hearts needing another heart to understand and be there. I want to take time to say thank you for taking time not just to read my "rambling," but to care enough about me to be here for me. So to conclude, if I don't get out and knock on those doors, or have the in person lunches like I would like to, then let me say today, that I love you for being "good enough" to care. That makes you "good enough" in my book for a lifetime.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Ele(mental) Challenges

Some folks get a new ball, and leave the old one out in the cold. Is the ball warped from the beginning, or does it grow warped from being uncared for? If so, perhaps it is time to be rid of it? The imperfect Christian thought about how some friends will do each other that way. We tell each other that we love each other, then bail when things get tough. In most cases we neglect to try or give that friend a choice. Jesus even gave Judas a choice. He knew what choice he was going to make, but He gave him the choice. God could have stopped him, He could stop us all, He did once, it was called the flood. But what is even more amazing... most will walk away from, or push away some, Jesus said to Judas, (paraphrasing) Friend, come do what you have to do. (Matthew 26:50) How amazing is that!? The person that was going to lead Him to death He called, "friend."

Peter is another example. Jesus said in front of all of his friends and cohorts... "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23) Peter was hurt, but was strong enough to stay with Jesus and understand that Jesus didn't call him Satan, but rather that Jesus was calling Satan, out. He (Jesus) knew that Peter was influenced by the devil, and was not himself. Peter stayed the course, albeit he drifted, he stayed with Jesus. How many of us stick by friends, when times get tough, and even worse, how many of us stick with Jesus until times get tough. It seems more and more the only time we call on Him, or fellowship with him is when we need something.

Friends will leave you over a political figure. They will ditch you over someone that neither of you even know personally. Out of their element, and into the elements, a storm over something that little know what they are talking about, or whom it is that is involved. Sports are the same way. People argue over who has the best team, or that their favorite player is the best, and when someone disagrees, then they are satan, and no longer their friend. The imperfect challenge is to not sweat the small stuff, and not leave your friends out in the elements. Jesus calmed the storm, and brought His friends in with Him, we should strive to do the same.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Did You Mean By That?

Female David and Goliath! This could never happen because women wear there slingshots, and have to accessorize! That doesn't qualify for a "What did you mean by that!" If it does, then it's too heavy to handle right now...

How many times have you ever asked the question, "What did you mean by that!?" Ever felt like that question is followed by the person in front of you trying to tower over you like the very tall woman towering over the petite little lady in the picture?

Well if you want honesty, here's three places you can start...
1. The kiddy corner, because pre-schooler's are brutally honest.
2. The Corner Liquor store, or
3. Skip the corner and just inherit a drunk brother-in-law. Yes, a brother-in-law, because a sister-in-law will tell you what she thinks of you even when she's sober.
4. But wait there is the 4th option... You can be a man or woman of integrity, and no matter how bad it hurts you can just accept the truth, and be honest with yourself!

Paulie Pennino a.k.a. Rocky Balboa's brother in-law. Broke down and said, "I can't do this no mo' Rocko! You's was good ta her (Adrianne), I wasn't! I can't do this no mo'!" Paulie told the aged figther/best friend/brother-in-law that it was best to get the beast out! Let that fire burn one last time, but to get it out!!! Rocky had to move past Adrianne, and his will to get in the ring. Paulie was the God send to help him move on. (If you haven't seen Balboa -the final Rocky movie- you need to!)

Imperfect Christian's sometimes need to get the beast out! (Philippians 2:12) "Therefore, my beloved as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling..."

Shep (a pastor/confidante/great friend/spiritual brother) once said, "We are truly who we are, when we are truly alone."

Another best friend writes, "The best proof of love is trust..." and the imperfect one would have to say also that the best proof of trust is love. That has to work both ways to make a secure bond. Insecurities breed unnecessary fear. Unnecessary fear leads a hurt person, to hurt people. The cliche's are endless. But at the end of the day, "What did you mean by that?" What are you really saying, or trying to say? Rock didn't want to get old, and see the most important things in his life come to an end. His wife had gone on, his career had gone on, and now it was time to accept the twilight. But he had one last fight in him. So what did he mean by still having a fire in the basement? "What did he mean by that?"

Rocky said, "Don't let anyone else tell you that they're better than you!" Are you hearing and believing the voices of others, or are you stead fast on hearing the voices that count? No one can blame anyone else, for a lack of communication. The pastor misread a verse. The study group had a misunderstanding with the group leader. Did you go to be blessed, or did you go to judge, and falsely accuse? You lose members that way, or force them to move on. So what did YOU mean by that. The imperfect Christian means, if you have to say it, or if someone has to ask you to say it, then you are probably too late! Apple got ahead of the curve, by showing you what to need, showing you what to want, showing you what to love. If you have to wait for an explanation, I am afraid what you meant, might be understood, a little too late.

There is nothing that you can do so bad, that it can't be fixed. Not encouraging any serial killers to spring forth, or thieves and the sort, just saying that even the thief on the day of the Cross was forgiven. Joy stealer, material possessor, destroyer of your own family... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, He listens, and He cares. From the fire in the basement, to the fire in the sky, get that beast out, and don't let anyone tell you that you are of no value!

Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J

Do You Have Annoying Facebook Friends? And Does That Bother You? 4

Do you have a friend on Facebook that everyone says that you should delete? You contemplate deleting them, then you decide not to? Why would you keep a person on your friends lists that annoys you to no end? Well one such on friend on the imperfect Christians list said, "All Black women should be banned from driving, simply because no Black woman can't drive!" He also said, "To all my Black friends, admit you only voted for Obama because he was Black, and to my White friends admit that you were just wrong, and made a huge mistake!" Does That Bother You? It bothered the imperfect Christian to the point of praying for that person, and posting positive notes about everything, and about how Gods' will is more important than any of our won't's. For the record, "won't's" is very slang and will not score you positive points in your English classes boys and girls, but goes nicely as an "opposites attract" with "the will." The imperfect Christian (obeying God) prayed as hard as possible for this person, and even told this person directly, that he would not reply on his wall, or anywhere else about him, or his ideals, regardless of how negative he became, that he (the imperfect Christian) would just pray for him, and you know what? That person deleted the imperfect Christian! It's easy to pray for those that encourage you, those you love, but how about those that don't encourage you, or give you much reason to love them? Matthew 5:44, says hallelujah anyhow! Pray anyway! The imperfect one gets a great joy in being rejected for the sake of Christ! Beaten spiritually for the sake of Christ in a sense. Let the Holy Ghost Party begin! We rejoice at suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus Christ! (Acts 5:41) The imperfect one has said it once and will say it again, "the imperfect Christian may not be the life of the party (Christ is), but man he sure knows how to get one started! Rejection, being popular, or gaining favor is not for the imperfect one. The imperfect Christian does not need to be lifted up, take any credit, or receive any glory in the matter, but because the Holy One placed a conviction upon that persons heart that made him delete the imperfect Christian, yeah that felt pretty good, and the imperfect Christian left the online Sanhedrin rejoicing on his imperfect way. Not because this man was upset enough to delete the imperfect Christian, but because he was convicted enough to delete him, and have to start his Facebook a new. Now it is up to him to use that conviction in a manner such as Paul did, and take the gospel to the world, or to let it grow calloused and go the route of Pharaoh, and be a part of the gospel that was worldly. Facebook Etiquette Rule 7section 21B... "Don't post without the Holy Ghost, cause what you post is seen by most..."

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J

What Are You Lookin' For?

So what are you looking for? What do you see in the picture? A marble slab, a heart, or a marble heart? The imperfect Christian sees all of those and then some. The imperfect Christian sees his wife, a select friend, his uncle, cousin, and auntie. The latter three mainly because auntie installed that slab top on their kitchen island. She and my wife are so crafty! So on to the question, "what are we looking for," what do we see in people? The imperfect one can assure you that known of the above mentioned have hearts of stone, or marble, but that is an awesome top, wouldn't you agree?

The imperfect Christian worked at a factory once upon a time believe it or not, and in this factory he placed a newsletter on one of the notice boards. The newsletter asked a simple question: "Ladies Looking For Mr. Right?" It was the most popular piece on that board for at least that night. The women, married and unmarried did a double take, and turned back after nearly walking past just to see how they could find Mr. RIGHT!

The imperfect Christian did not find it fitting to exclude the gentlemen in this blog, therefore, he asks instead... "What are you (men and women) looking for in a person?"

If he/she smiles does that mean they are interested in you? Do they want more than conversation? If he/she looks at you in a way that is not so nice, are they looking for a fight? What are you looking for?

Women leave home and go to clubs every weekend talking about how much fun they're gonna have! Then they leave the club, go home drunk, or let down (if not both), and talk about how much fun they didn't have. Instead of a romantic ending with Josh Groban singing, "You Raise Me Up," she gets an ending with Josh Gropin making her sing, "You Messed Me Up!"

Then there's the fella's... God help us. The fella's hit the strip looking for action, and come back singing a different tune, yeah the Stones work here... "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." Simple minds, simple fact, easier to explain, one line for the men, and a I could add a few more for the ladies. Yes, it is that complicated, and yet just that simple.

So what are you looking for? The imperfect Christian has never met a stranger, and talks with everyone. Something he needs to practice on, however, is what he is looking for. Here's a few scenarios:

She's 5'4" 100lbs, or she's 5'4" 300lbs, makes no difference in her weight, it's all in what I am looking for.

He's wearing a bow tie and carrying his laptop like his first child, or he's wearing jeans and t-shirt carrying his Harley jacket like it's hit first love, makes no difference, it's all in what I am looking for.

In all of these people if you plan on making a true friend, a life long friend, or even a mate, you have to look for the same person in each one of them! That Person (Being/Spirit) is whom we are all patterned after, and made in His image. If we seek that Person (Christ), and not the enemy, then we will do just fine. People are crazy enough now days, we don't need to give them anymore reason to cut up even more. They don't need a reason to be crazy/crazier, they just are! Just as much as we can say that, "they are crazy," we can say (leaving out the crazy) that "God is." Shortest, most effective use of syntax in my repertoire. He exists... God is. He is everything to me... God is. You can't use that with anyone else rightfully. There is just no way to justify it, only with God. So the next time you see that rough head at the bar, or the next time you see that cutie in the grocery store, ask yourself, am I looking for God in him/her, or just looking for trouble in the flesh?

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is (GOD is!) and that He is The Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

So again, let the imperfect one say,"If you are seeking God in the rough head on the Harley, God may grant you a lifelong friend, that helps you grow stronger. A man might find a new motorcycle riding partner that he's been hoping for. A woman might find that protective loyal husband she seeks. Vice versa with the little cutie. You men may find a sweet loyal wife, or as Biz Markie said, "Just A Friend," but it's better than the opposite (a foe). Ladies, this young woman could be the best friend you have desired when you need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. If you seek God, diligently He will reward you, He said so in His Word. On that note and verse, I am the imperfect Christian and I'm out!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Life & Its Lessons

The best words of ministry advice that the imperfect Christian has ever received came from a gentleman in West Memphis, AR. His words of wisdom were based on II Corinthians 3:18


"And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." (AMP)

The gentleman told the imperfect Christian to look in the mirror, and see himself. He said, "That's who you need to minister to. Get in His Word daily, and minister to you!" The imperfect Christian had a cousin, that was once a very active minister in his own right at one time. The cousin of the imperfect one asked, "Who do you read your Bible for?" He then answered and said, "You read it for self!" He explained his belief in fact that one cannot save anyone else, nor can one save oneself, but one (you, me, & we) can find the relationship that one needs with Christ, by reading ones (our) Bible for oneself (ourself!) Obtaining His love through prayer each day will give us a bond that draws us closer. We need to look at -as Michael Jackson would say- "that meign, that meign, that meign, that meign" in the mirror! The imperfect one most definitely does (need to). God bless you all, Happy Fourth!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Did You Do With It!?

Have you ever misplaced something that meant a lot to you? Then realized that you haven't lost anything but your mind! The imperfect Christian gets so frustrated when he rushes, and forgets things! Have you ever watched the TV Reality Show, "Big Brother?" They film everything, yes everything! Showers, sleeping/night time activity, everything! Well in the imperfect Christians head you get the family friendly version, the part that you can watch for free without having part of the screen blurred, or bleeps for foul language. The imperfect Christian has this vision of himself sitting in his office, and preparing to make a call. He reaches for his phone and notices that his wedding band is gone! The initial feeling is a panicked one, you know the one that makes your face feel hot like someone just slapped you as hard as they could on both sides of your face. Yeah that's the feeling the imperfect Christian had! He moved papers and his Bible, among other articles around on his desk, looked underneath his laptop, his phone, then his desk. He went upstairs, out to his car, and did this at least three (3) times before asking around the office for a helping hand. The imperfect Christians immediate super came in and helped look through the office, and in other areas of the building. He even went thru the trash with the imperfect Christian. The imperfect Christian then experienced the next phase of anxiety, he thought about having to tell his bride that he had lost his ring, and it made him sick at his stomach in the worst way. Oh did he have to fight back being sick. It's been a long time since that feeling hit us, but today was a valuable lesson. Do not do things in a rush! On time is being ahead of time! If it's worth your time, take the time to do it right! I work for the best company on the planet, the Creator of the universe, and for the finest family a man could ever have. Now it is past due that I show them all how awesome they all are! Oh yeah, I had left my mind in call me back land and my ring on top of my candle. The label on the lid camouflaged the ring and made a blend just right to leave the imperfect Christian unnerved and blind. So to the greatest boss lady in the land, thank you for dropping by to help me look for my ring. Good eye! She found it while getting a Tootsie Roll out of the imperfect candy basket. She has always been invited to drop by and get candy, but now the imperfect Christian owes her big time! So the next time you get in a rush mister, remember this day!

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Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Facebook Etiquette (Top 5)

The imperfect Christians Facebook Etiquette:

1. Fellas a tie is not a have too, but it could sharpen your image. (Please see picture above) Joking of course, some of us gentlemen not even a tie can help.
2. Ladies, if the barn needs paint, paint it! Just know that body paint is a touch too much when that's all you're wearing. ;) Especially those of you that need extra clothes on. Again I am teasing, don't go postal on me!
3. As for communications... please do not argue on Facebook. I have a friend that works for a soap opera company that says, and I quote: "We get great ideas from right here on Facebook, and don't even have to pay these people! LOL!"
3.5 Don't assume either! That is a make shift toboggan not a turban, and if it were a turban the imperfect Christian is still just that... an imperfect Christian (that loves er'body, and agrees to disagree), and nothing else! Thank ye!
4. Also, if you just filed for a divorce, or are going through a separation/divorce, and you have some mutual friends with your spouse; then in "some cases" I can't blame you for axing a few of "their" friends. However, if you have friends that were friends before the spouse came along, and/or before the divorce took place, then in most cases it could be OK to keep the mutual friend. Again the imperfect Christian emphasizes on the "in most cases." The imperfect Christian ain't mad atcha either way, just sayin.'
5. To conclude: Spammin' and unwanted ads, or hacking could see you served up a dotted eye. Don't send junk to every friend on your friend list! Put it on your wall, and it will show up on your wall, plus the "News Feed." Don't have 500 Facebook friends waiting at your door step preparing to sabotage your computer, or worse!

OK that is a wrap on my 5 hmmmm mmmmm and a half Facebook do's, and don'ts, so now which one of y'all have a clever "BIBLICAL" scripture to close with?

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Measuring Up...

The imperfect Christian loved the Chevy Chase movie Fletch. The imperfect Christian thinks about one line in particular that Chevy uses in that movie. He said he was 6'3" normally, but 6'9" with an afro. Well looking at the imperfect Christian's ministry, and how it is shared with others, I am normally 5'11", but desiring to be 6'5" if not taller. So where do we measure up as ministers? We talk to people, and mention our spirituality, and some people cringe, but say nothing. Others share their faith in return, and some, well they just tell you that they are not religious at all, and that they do not want to talk about it period.

The imperfect Chrsitian spoke to a single parent one day, that said their son was in a group home. As a minister I have visited group homes before, and it is not a bad gig, and it beats prison like a drum, but it's still not home! The imperfect one said, "Well things have a way of coming out in the wash." The concerned parent asked what I meant. The reply that the imperfect one gave was something like this:

Time has a way of healing things if we let it, and if we have the right source. Upon getting a little deeper, the imperfect one explained that he believed that Christ can wash all sin away, and that in time, He heals all wounds. This parent asked, and the imperfect one told. However, even with telling the concerned parent that the imperfect one didn't attempt to force his faith on anyone, and believed that all had the choice to make for themselves, the concerned parent went from grateful, to offended. The words were, "I am not in the mood to talk religion right now." The imperfect Christian in love, said, "I gave you my heart because you asked, and I would rather offend you with non-religious spirituality, than to lie to you, or sugarcoat anything, but again I do not force my faith on anyone."

We can go to most communities and talk about politics, sex, and various other worldly issues and argue, or talk all day, but mention Christ, or your spiritual joy in Him to the wrong person, and you've either lost a friend, or started a riot.


















So let's take a little off the top now shall we. The imperfect one didn't kick this person, or their feelings to the curb, but instead listened to their hurt, and pain without suffering any set backs that would cause a deeper pain for the single parent, and waited patiently. The imperfect one and the single parent talked about things working out, and the imperfect one even used scripture, but because the single parent is not a devout Christian, they only heard friendly words. "A person who has friends, must show themselves friendly..." Anyone know where that is in the Bible? It's not an exact quote from your 1611 KJV Authorized, or even an NIV direct quoted verse, but it is the Word, and close to being quoted. So I made myself friendly, then followed rule #1, and remembered that I have two ears, and one mouth. The imperfect Christian listened well, and then prayed silently, to prepare [hymnself] and this person for the love that only God can give. I am not sneaking around my faith, I am just not offending a friend, and I am giving them the Word, without talking about something that they are not in the mood for.

Most people that do not know God, or know Him as well as they should will eventually say, "You always know what to say," or "Where do you get that from?" Then bam, lookout for the seed, "It was God... He gave that to me through His Word." "Yeah I read that in the Bible." You get the picture. They may run again, and then again they may reject it totally, or they may feel the Spirit, and be moved. I am not forcing this blog on a soul, but I am telling you the reader, that I love you, and more so I am telling you that there is a God that loves you more.

Until the next time:
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Danger Keep Away!

Have you ever watched City of Joy with Patrick Swayze? It was a movie about a doctor (Swayze) visiting Calcutta, India. He went on vacation for a spiritual enlightenment, and wound up in the poorest sector of Calcutta, and becoming a hero of sorts. He was an advisor, defender of the people, and a doctor to a lepers colony. It was a very sad, but an aw inspiring movie that everyone should see!

Those that were not leper's condemned those with leprosy. They would not allow those stricken with leprosy to go outside of their own sector more or less. Treated them like they were not human, and were just down right disgusting in some of their actions toward the poor, and disadvantaged people. Until you've been treated like a leper you usually do not think much about it. I have never had any diseases, or disfiguring that made people not want to be near me. However, some people see skin color as a deformity, and some see deformation as a horrible thing.

As a child I was afraid of people with handicaps. I was afraid until I learned that they needed to be loved just like me, and wanted to give their love just as much as they wanted to be loved. I grew out of my fear with knowledge. But with increasing knowledge also comes increasing sorrow. (Ecclesiastes 1:18) I learned that not everyone cared for other people only themselves and what they believe in. Now I am not going to get on my political soap box, because I am not a politician, but an imperfect Christian that is an American Citizen. My ethnicity like all branches back to some ancient Hebrews, my detour takes place on every continent, until it stops right here in the good ol' US of A. Nothing presents my feeling like the lepers feel more than when I have someone tell me above all other things that they are not prejudice. Not a "Hey man that's a nice jacket," or "Hey that's an awesome haircut," just "Now I don't have a prejudice bone in my body! You know that, how you been doin'?" I have bit my tongue nearly in two attempting to prevent asking how many times they have said that to a person that was not connected to African descendants.

Every time someone speaks about our President not being a US Citizen like they were the doctor that delivered him, it gives me that same feeling. When they say that he's not a Christian, like they are God Almighty themselves it gives me that feeling. I didn't get worked up over John McCain saying, "That one." But I got that same nasty feeling, when others tried to make a huge race war out of his comment. We could talk abortion, genocide, right vs. wrong all day long, and it still does not remedy the problem that we have. Bridging the communications gap peacefully and rationally would be nice, rather than barking out you're not like me, you're going to hell! I do not hate Muslims, Buddhists, or Jehovah's Witnesses, in fact I am going to invite a non-Christian to have lunch with me in the very near future. Wow, wonder how it will pan out when we eat lunch together and realize that we both need nourishment, that we are both human, and we can sit together peacefully, and not worry about our differences, but find the common ground that allows us to be civil!? I'm praying that our nation comes to that conclusion also. When we can celebrate the day that we allow our President to speak to our children and not have the school officials treat him like the strong arms of India treat the lepers!

I have seen the schools allow DSS officials to interrogate grade school children with no questions asked. Take a frightened child into a room alone with one (DSS Worker) adult, no aide (legal or otherwise), neither parent present, no family member present, not even a guardian ad litem, and not make one phone call. They will however, send a personal message home for the parents to sign, or call every home concerning our President speaking with our children. I have not yet to this day that I am aware of witnessed that before. It is also a first that a President has taken time out of an overloaded agenda to address every child in the country with a positive non partisan, no political gain involved, "National" message to my knowledge as well. So what did the schools message say to me? It said in my interpretation: "Parents we don't want to be held responsible for what your child hears from the President, we prefer to make it appear that we are giving you a choice to speak up before the event takes place in hopes that you will keep us from law suits by sending petitions of disapproval against our President. However, with no warning and not caring about a law suit we will allow an individual to request that a DSS worker intervene, and tell you how to discipline, feed, and raise your child. Tell you what they can, and will not learn because we are not above the law, we are the law! We have thrown out all moral and rational dealings because what we say stands, this is not the NBA, NFL or any other league, group or democracy there will be no review, you will just have to get over it. Thank you." What they do not tell you is that they will do this until enough people stand together and override their ignorance. So why are you still sitting here reading this? Go make plans to be at the next Town Hall meeting, and boycott whomever, has no sense. As Mix-A-Lot used to say, "If you help get the fool hired, help get him fired." If you sat and did nothing, now it is time to take a PEACEFUL stand! Be heard, and be seen, don't be in the herd and make a scene!

"It's not because he's Black, African American, what term should I use here? It's because he supports Pro-Choice!"

Again the imperfect Christian does not support abortion, especially partial birth abortion. I also do not support the belief that legalized abortion is the only or leading cause of death, I believe ignorance is.

Communication Gap...

Wow, how we often misunderstand one another! Gracie is looking at me in this picture saying,"Whatchu talkin' bout Willis!?"

I sent an email to a fine Christian woman (let's call her "Christi") in a company (let's call it "The Building") that uses the same distribution company as ours. I saw the UPC number on one of my orders and reconginized it as being one that belonged to The Building. Therefore, I made contact with Christi. I sent an email that said:

I recognized this as being your product and since I cannot key it I am sending it to you for confirmation. If this is indeed your product here is his information, DJ Darby's 123 South Main St., Good City, NC 27somethin,' somethin,' or another... He needs 3 copies of The Good Life CD. I used todays date as a purchase order number.

She wrote back and said, "Yes this is our product just have him send it back to the Distributor.."

Wow! Well I wrote back explaining again that this was not a return, but rather a purchase and that Mr. Darby desired to have their product consolidated in shipping with our product. When I send notes of that nature that is usually a given, especially when we did the same thing just a week ago. LOL So, it doesn't take much to confuse others at times. That's why we need to slow down, focus, and help others to relate. How do we do that. Who liberally gives us wisdom? Don't know, well here's what James said in chapter 1 vs 5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives it generously (liberally, freely) to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)

Some frown on anything but the KJV where I live, and I say not to offend, but rather to bless, what was there before the KJV (1611) and did all the folks before that time period go to hell? Remember good reader it's your imperfect Christian brother speaking...
That verse applies to mankind, which includes women for my chauvinist brothers that are not as imperfect as me! LOL

Another miscommunication.

I told my boys to do a few things for me, and they did, but not exactly what I had asked for. My communications transferred in a different way, so how then should I communicate to them? In such a way that says I am your father, who at one time was also 13, 15, and 16, and I am now in a loving lenient way am saying that when I call you home, or say come home before dark that, that means for the rest of the night, not for a few minutes then away we go again. That means that even though school is out, that you still have to call me, and let me know before you leave my house, your Grandmothers house, or your Great-grandmothers house or any premises that you occupy that I have last heard about.

Friends here things the wrong way at times also. Husbands hear what they hear, wives hear what they hear. A fella compliments the smile of a pretty woman, and she says oh that devil is up to no good! When really that fella just thought she had a pretty smile.

Communication is key, and we all need to be understood whether we always agree or not...I've said my piece and counted to three! LOL Peace, Blessings, and Joy...in Christ The Real PB&J