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A message to our President and all Democratic Leaders! Republicans and Conservatives welcomed!

Listen to this from Hosea Ch.11 Verse 4 (NIV) :

I led them with cords of HUMAN KINDNESS, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. 

I beg of you, I plead with you, I INSIST that you:

STAND TALL ON PRINCIPLES OF HELPING THOSE WHO NEED HELP AND BE NOT AFRAID OF THOSE WHO INSIST ON THE RICH GETTING RICHER!! THIS IS NOT AN INTELLECTUAL EXERCISE! BECOME ANGRY!!

Dear Readers:

In my humble opinion, God in his infinite wisdom, has made the pie large enough for us all!

Conclusion: Being KIND to others, especially to those in need, PLEASES GOD which in turn will make us an even greater nation and a true beacon for all of humanity!

Blessings to each of you!

Taken from the play The PIT: The Road to Salvation

Scene: The discourse has somehow turned to the question of God erasing our sins. A nice short story is mentioned by one of the guests suggesting that erasing our sins will not be necessary!

Rick: [sitting behind Paul the Apostle stands to speak] What I loved most about Kahlil Gibran’s words on religion, was when he spoke of looking into space for GOD and seeing Him in the clouds, lightning and falling rain. I actually experienced something very close to that one day staring deeply at the raindrops ever so delicately bouncing off the tree leaves in the park.  I cannot tell you how peaceful I felt right afterwards.

More importantly, for a short while after that, it would have been literally impossible for me to commit any kind of sin, not even so much as a thought about a sin!!!  I swear on my mother’s grave; that that feeling and reality actually happened to me. I fully admit that it was very temporary; as my sinful nature resurfaced, and took its usual place again. [now looking at Socrates]

I have done a lot of thinking on that experience since then and I would like to share my thoughts with this group; if I am permitted. [remains standing]

Socrates: [remains seated responds to Rick] Absolutely! That is why we are here. Please tell us of your thoughts.

Rick: [looking at Socrates] Thank you sir. I promise to be very brief.  [now looking at the group] As I thought over and over about that experience and my finding it impossible to even so much as to think about sinning, much less do it, something dawned on me. I am not an avid Bible reader and I confess that I do not regularly go to Church, but I do know that somewhere in the Bible, it says that one day, we will see HIM .......                           “face-to-face”.

GOD, in his Magnificence, will not need to ‘erase’ sin from us, the way writing can be erased from a chalkboard. His brilliance, power and beauty, will be so fulfilling and so all-encompassing and mesmerizing, that ALL sin will be eliminated from us by default: just by our simply gazing upon HIM; the way we see things in life now. For we will be able to do nothing else besides eternally basking in HIS Glory.

These are just my own small thoughts and I thank each of you for listening.   [sits]

Paul the Apostle: [stands and faces Rick] That was quite inspiring. We have absolutely no reference to begin to conceptualize and visualize what Heaven may be like. You have been touched, and should consider it a real blessing for such words to come out of your mouth, and have real meaning to us all.  [sits]

Dear Readers;

I also happen to agree with this. As a demonstration, I suggest looking deeply at something you deem very beautiful, like a special flower. As you bask in its beauty, try your best to think of something sinful, like harming someone. You will find that you cannot think on both at the same time !

If the beauty of a flower can do this to our powerfully sinful natures, albeit temporarily, just imagine being NEAR TO GOD in such a way that we can actually see HIM face-to-face as we see each other now!!

Blessings to each of you!!

                           ON FORGIVENESS

Taken from the play The PIT: The Road to Salvation


Scene:

After a nearly full day of vexing and intensely heated debate, the discourse begins to wind down. One of the final topics on the table concerns the need for forgiveness. The majority of the guests happen to be Christians. Malcolm X, a Muslim, decides to comment.
 
Malcolm X: [comments from his seat] You were right earlier, about the nature of truth. For the Qur’an teaches us many similar things about salvation. For example, In the beginning after Adam and Eve first sinned, they spoke to Allah:

Sura 7:23. They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."


Dear Readers

In my humble opinion, it makes absolutely no difference be ye Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist or even atheist:

                                     FORGIVING OTHERS,

regardless of what they may have done, is always the right thing to do and an act of our free will that pleases GOD.

I am not naïve; I fully realize that people can do things so low and hurtful that forgiving them may approach a near impossibility. Nevertheless, for those of you who cannot find it in your hearts to forgive someone for something you deem too terrible, I ask that you recall the story of Paul the Apostle, who actually harshly persecuted people just for believing in Christ  -

                                   UNTIL GOD TOUCHED HIM!! 

He is now arguably known as the greatest of all the Apostles. Since we have no clue what GOD'S plan is for each of us; FORGIVING then is the ultimate act of logic, regardless of what someone may have done.

One last thing, we also must learn to forgive ourselves!


Blessings to each of you!

Dear Readers:

I am a life-long centrist leaning Democrat. Each year I seem to get angrier and angrier at how they continually cower under the right-wing machine and low level intellects like Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney.  Good grief! Where’s their spine? Don’t they realize that they’re sitting on a mound of GOLD?

Until they understand the human predilection NOT TO THINK, (believe it or not, as counter-intuitive as it sounds,that is how our brains are actually constructed) they will always fall short of gaining broader based support. In the interim, the Republicans fully understand this and have based their playbook on theories demonstrated with huge success by Dr. Paul Joseph Goebbels. Here are a few of his tenets (# 14 thru 16):

14. Propaganda must label events and people with distinctive phrases or slogans.
    a. They must evoke desired responses which the audience previously possesses.
    b. They must be capable of being easily learned
    c. They must be utilized again and again, but only in appropriate situations
    d. They must be boomerang-proof
15. Propaganda to the home front must prevent the raising of false hopes which can be blasted by future events.
16. Propaganda to the home front must create an optimum anxiety level.
    a. Propaganda must reinforce anxiety concerning the consequences of defeat.

I can already hear the thunder of the right wing saying that individual responsibility and hard work are the only things that matter, as if there is such a thing as a fair playing field. After all, that’s how they were able to achieve their success and have no intention of changing that attitude.

Well, I happen to agree with them somewhat on those points. The problem is that the deck of cards are rigged in their favor by the worst aspects of our sinful natures: Hate and Greed.

Solution for the Democrats:

First, stop pussyfooting around and get a spine!
This is precisely why Ronald Reagan was able to dramatically change things.

Yes, PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO THINK. I SAY USE THAT!!

Second, understand that GOD has the power to make good come from evil.  Use principles of propaganda just as your enemy does but with this huge difference; instead of using the evil symbolic subliminal messages of hate, fear and greed, which the right-wing has mastered to their credit,   use HUGE SIMPLE IMAGES of love, kindness, generosity and brotherhood! No need for people to think;

just SEE and FEEL.

Finally, what is this 'mound of gold'  that I am claiming the Democrats are sitting on?

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF ANY GOVERNMENT IS TO PROVIDE HELP FOR THOSE WHO NEED HELP!


In my very humble opinion, this is precisely what Jesus Christ would think about the primary role of government. I therefore conclude by telling Democrats to:

STAND TALL ON THIS PRINCIPLE AND DO NOT FEAR THOSE WHO STAND FOR THE RICH GETTING RICHER!

It's a good fight and well worth fighting!

Blessings to each of you!!

From the play The PIT: The Road to Salvation

Scene:

The discourse now faces a very difficult question. Several of the guests, who firmly believe in GOD, still find it very hard to understand why GOD condemned the ENTIRE HUMAN RACE for that one simple act of disobedience from Adam. Where is the love, fairness and justice in that??

Paul the Apostle: [stands and looks at Mother Theresa] Without question, Albert and Dennis are both right. I too, feel a gentle guidance that is mysteriously orchestrating this entire event. [sits]

Idi Amin: [stands abruptly] There you weaklings go again!! [remains standing]

Darryl: [stands to face Idi, who is directly in front of him] I cannot explain this, but for some reason, I am no longer angry with you. [sits]

Idi Amin: [looks over his shoulder at Darryl] Don’t make me laugh. You are just now coming to your senses! [now looks over to Lucifer] Any orders sir?

Lucifer: [responds to Amin from his seat] Yes! Speak only when I tell you to speak! In the meantime, remain seated and stop wasting energy!

Idi Amin: [humbly responds to Lucifer] Yes sir. [sits]

Paul the Apostle: [stands to speak  - directing his eyes at Lucifer’s offspring  who have just arrived] It is a real blessing for me to meet you all; particularly you Hate. My faith has taken another splendid leap forward with your presence. [now looking at the rest of the group] Actually, there is indeed one thing that I completely agree with Hate: [he looks directly at Hate] I do see you in the mirror each morning as I start my day. I also know that you are, without question, definitely your Father’s son. [now looking at the entire group]
None of us, especially our six new guests, will ever get even the slightest idea of the massive impudence of Lucifer. What he did was indeed far, far past audacious. So I say again, that I am blessed by your presence. For it cements ever deeper into my heart, my need for GOD!! [remains standing]

Mother Theresa: [speaks to Paul from her seat] Short and wonderful!

Dennis: [stands to interrupt] Paul, please allow me to add something I’ve given a considerable amount of thought on. [remains standing]

Paul: [sits as he responds to Dennis] You have the floor!

Dennis: [looking at Paul] Thank you. I promise to be brief. [now looking at the group, especially Lucifer] I would like to add a visualization to Paul’s point about the massive impudence of Lucifer; thinking in his heart that he could rise to the level of GOD himself.

Please listen to this, as it is, in my humble opinion, a very, very critical point. It also relates to Original Sin and the rationale behind why the ENTIRE HUMAN RACE was punished because of it.

First, Paul is right, we will never come close to fully understanding just how incredibly impudent it was for Lucifer to think that he could actually overcome his Maker! Nevertheless, please pay attention to hear this paltry analogy. My intent is to give you, hopefully, at least a tiny sliver of understanding of an unimaginable level of impudence.

Close your eyes for a minute and try to imagine this, though it will be very difficult and very, very unpleasant:


Your handsome and bright young two year old child is playing nicely in his own bedroom with his new toys in a wonderful and warm home that you purchased just for him. As you watch this beautiful young life that you brought into this world, the enormous love you have for him goes deeper than any word, or combination of words, can bring forth.  A more beautiful scene could not possibly exist anywhere. You gently ask him to do something and he responds to you by:

intentionally and sternly giving you the middle finger and spitting in your face!!

Far beyond shocking, isn’t it?  [sits] [the entire group, even Lucifer and his offspring, becomes silent; grasping such an unspeakable and unimaginable scene]

Dear Readers:

The question now becomes: if this were you, and you had infinite power to do whatever you wished, what would YOU do to your child? This of course is a rhetorical question. We will NEVER understand such madness.

This paltry analogy is only meant to get your minds, via the use of your own mental images from this short story,  to at least begin the process of understanding and reconciling the divine wisdom, pure justice fortified by Love, that GOD doled out to the human race for that infinitely massive transgression of Adam. 

And let us not forget, THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL gives us a way out of our current state of mortality and a clear road map to enter HIS KINGDOM!

Blessings to each of you!!

Taken from the play The Pit: The Road to Salvation



Weapon #1 - Admit that you are weak!! 

You don’t need to make a public announcement!    GOD WILL HEAR YOU!

Dear Readers:

I fully realize that all human weakness is deemed in a negative light. For many people, admitting any weakness is a near impossibility; even in their solitude. Nevertheless, once you do this, you will allow the infinite power of Jesus Christ to rest upon you. It plainly tells us in Sacred Scripture ( 2nd Corinthians Ch 12 V 9  - NIV ) that:

"My Power is made perfect in weakness!"

In so doing, and as another miraculous benefit, you also automatically greatly reduce what is by far the most damaging component of your sinful nature:your PRIDE.

Blessings to each of you!

The Faithful and the Religious Hypocrites: What’s the difference?

Taken from the play The PIT: The Road to Salvation

The scene:

The discourse has become really heated with emotions spilling out all over the place. Several of the guests are very upset wondering why some people they know seem to completely change once they’re in church with non-stop 'Praise the Lord!'  only to revert back to who we know they really are once church is over……. until next Sunday of course. Kahlil Gibran has some insight on this.

Adolph Hitler: [stands to face Kahlil] When I find error in your words, I will speak on them. Thus far, I have found none whatsoever. [sits]

Socrates: [stands facing Kahlil] Consider me in full agreement with all the comments thus far. As moderator, I say please, for the sake of us all, do continue!

Gibran: [looks at Socrates] Of course. I will follow whatever recommendations you have for me. [now stands to speak to the group]

Question: What of the nature of Religion?

Answer: Is not religion all deeds and all reflections?

Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief from his occupations?
Who can spread his hours before him saying, “This is for GOD and this for myself; This for my soul, and this
other for my body?”

He who wears his morality but as his best garment: is better naked.

And he to whom worshiping is a window, to open but also to shut, has not yet visited the house of his soul, whose windows are from dawn to dawn.
Your daily life is your temple and your religion.
Whenever you enter into to it, take with you your all.
Take the plough, and the forge, and the mallet, and the lute,
The things you have fashioned in necessity and for delight.
And take with you all men:
For in adoration, you cannot fly higher than their hopes nor humble yourself lower than their despair.
And if you would know GOD, be not therefore a solver of riddles,
Rather look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children.
And look into space; you shall see Him walking in the clouds, outstretching His arms in the lightning and descending in the rain.
You shall see Him smiling in the flowers, then rising and waving His hands in the trees.  [sits]

Albert Einstein: [stands to comment faces Kahlil] Kahlil, for whatever it's worth, I thought that was absolutely beautiful!   
I am certain of this: Before GOD, we are all equally wise and equally foolish!. I therefore agree with you that solving riddles is of no use and has no value. Opening your eyes and truly seeing all that is around you is infinitely more rewarding and meaningful. [sits]

Dear Readers:

Kahlil, with support from Albert Einstein, affirms that there is NOTHING outside of GOD. All that we do around the clock should therefore be for HIM.  As far as all those hypocrites are concerned, I say let us not be harsh in our condemnation of them; for they are us and we are them. Instead, let us together pray for two things:

1)   That GOD draws all hypocrites nearer to HIM.
2)   That we remain ever so grateful for the ability to see their errors and make different choices for ourselves.

And above all else:   LET US FORGIVE THEM!!!

Blessings to each of you!!

I beg of you all to hear this, even though it comes from one small unimportant man:

PRIDE IS THE FIRST STEP AWAY FROM GOD AND GIVES CREDIT TO OURSELVES.

IT IS THEREFORE MORE DAMAGING TO OUR SOUL THAN ALL THE OTHER VICES; INCLUDING GREED, HATE, VIOLENCE AND LUST.

SEE WHAT IT DID TO LUCIFER, AN ANGELIC BEING FAR MORE POWERFUL THAN WE COULD EVER HOPE TO BE.

Imagine what it can do to us!

BLESSINGS TO EACH OF YOU!!

Taken from the play The Pit: The Road To Salvation

Scene:

Dennis is talking to the guests about the real value of the ‘freedom’ we enjoy here in America. He discusses some things that many do not want to hear.

Dennis: [stands to face the group] Since we are all here to discuss Salvation, I thought it made sense to see how our freedom here in America helps or hinders it. I chose this specific environment for you to close your eyes and imagine black men living under Apartheid to see if their lack of freedom hinders their own salvation.

To understand their lives under apartheid, at least to the level we are capable of, we really wish to see ‘ ge ba hlomoga pelo gore ba be le Modimo’, which translates into  ‘when their hearts grieve for oneness with GOD’.

For it is indeed very difficult for us to imagine seeing them happy, living beneath  Apartheid, under any circumstance, at least happy the way we understand it, with our lives of freedom and abundance here in America.

We are now ready to see and hear them sing and dance as they provide a clear answer to our inquiry. [looks at everyone and asks] Are you ready?] [most respond yes, with their eyes closed again] Awesome!

What we witness, is not the grief we would expect from their ‘awful circumstance’; but sheer joy as they place their hands on each others’ strong shoulders and with handsome smiling faces, powerful leg kicks and smooth rhythm loudly sing:

Ke lella moya,
I yearn to save the soul
Ga ke llele marapo
I don’t yearn to save the bones
Ga ke llele nama
I don’t yearn to save the flesh
Ke llela moya wa me
I yearn to save my soul
Ga ke llele taemane
I don’t desire diamonds
Ga ke llele gauta
I don’t desire gold
Ke llela moya
I yearn to save the soul


Dear Readers;

This may be very difficult for some to believe, but our wonderful life of abundance and freedom here in America will not aid in our salvation one bit! As a matter of fact, in my humble opinion, our freedom, with all its glitz and glamor, actually makes our salvation more difficult !
 
These men in South Africa understand and feel  that GOD is everywhere and that HE loves them unconditionally. I will be the first to admit that as a result of being fortunate enough to have traveled abroad, thus finding myself in a position to compare, I am very thankful to be born in this great country. Nevertheless, I can assure you I would give it up at the drop of a dime if it meant losing my faith in God’s promises; for nothing is more important for my soul;

and very possibly yours also.

Blessings to each of you!!

Another excerpt from The PIT: The Road to Salvation

Scene description:

It is still Kahlil Gibran’s turn to speak.  One of the guests in the audience asks him about the nature of crime and punishment. He responds in his usual poetic form.

Question: What of crime and punishment?

Kahlil: [stands to answer] Oftentimes, have I heard you speak of one who commits a wrong as though he were not one of you, but a stranger unto you and an intruder upon your world. But I say that even as the holy and righteous cannot rise beyond the highest which is in each of you, So the wicked and the weak cannot fall lower than the lowest which is in you also.
And as a single leaf turns not yellow but with the silent knowledge of the whole tree, So the wrong-doer cannot do wrong without the hidden will of you all.
And if any of you would punish in the name of righteousness and lay the axe unto the evil tree, let him see to its roots;
And verily, he will find the roots of the good and the bad, the fruitful and the fruitless, all entwined together in the silent heart of the earth.   [sits]

Mother Theresa: [stands and comments] How wonderful! How true! [sits]

Dear Readers;

Kahlil is revealing something that won’t sit well with most of us. In my humble opinion, it is a gigantic mistake for us to think that we are above any of the evil, violent, and mean spirited human actions we read about daily.

Please, don’t shoot the messenger, but the truth is that none of us is any better than the very worst among us.

My conclusion: We need to thank GOD each day we wake up to give us the strength to do those things that will be pleasing to HIM. I am unaware of any power within ourselves to accomplish this.

Blessings to each of you!