Michael Jackson

Do you really mean that there are things beyond my control?

As we neared the anniversary of his death, some things came to mind. In particular, I thought about the poems I wrote when I was in the eighth grade. There were two about Michael Jackson. That was nearly a lifetime ago.

I celebrate his life. As a musician, I find awe in his creations. As an artist, I find inspiration. As humanitarian, I find that one individual can make a difference. As a person, I find that we all have ups and downs. As a famous entertainer, I see that we can momentarily make people happy. As a human being, I see that we all are people who have feelings, desires, and a spirit of life in common.

Yet, I still grieve his death. It was then that I realized that all things are not in my control. I had promised my nieces for years (more than 15) that I would take them to see MJ. I even had them writing the fan club and belonging to an automatic email site of his. I had them so Michael Jackson engrossed that watching him (videos, concerts, tv presentations, interviews) is a time we would become completely silent. We planned to somehow, someway get to the concerts last year and in addition, when we knew that we couldn't get tickets we were planning to just sit in the area. I had to make my promise come true and I knew that last year was the year that I was going to do it, even if it meant staging a youtube presentation or a Neverland starve out. If I had to take the three of them with my siblings and mother out of the country, I would do it. They were going to meet MJ.

This came to a crashing halt when he died. I was saddened for him, his family, and the world. As a matter of fact, my family, sisters and especially my brother, check in on me whenever there is something mentioned about Michael. My brother often says, "Well, I was going to call you yesterday, with all that MJ stuff on tv.I know how you are about him...How are you doing?" You see, there were a few things that I knew to be true. One is that I always kept my word to my nieces. So, I am upset that this was one promise I could not keep. In addition, I knew that by being his friend, he would be free....Also, I knew that he would still be alive if..(we had a special message from an Apostle for him).

However, as said, all things are not in my control. And, although I cannot bring all of my promises to fruition, there is someone who can. There is someone who is greater than you and I who is in control of everything. I am glad that that is someone to whom my nieces were introduced. They follow His lead and through him, all of their dreams are possible.

To get next to Him, they have to study, read, meditate, pray, live righteous lives, serve, and follow Him. I let them know that God is in control of everything and through Him everything is possible.

So, I have learned. Place Him first and all things will come. Although there may seem to come an end to a dream, remember you are not in control of "everything," and that some things will come when you least expect them.

Just When

Have you ever heard the saying that "Just when you are about to give up, that is when your breakthough comes"? Let me share a couple of examples with you.

There are a couple of great examples that I have heard my parents refer to plenty of times. Of course, there are the Biblical ones. Abraham, who chose to follow an order, was at the point to sacrifice his son. He gave up but just when he thought that he was going to lose one, his breakthrough came. He saw the real sacrifice tied to a bush. How about the Noah and the family in the ark? Just when they were about to give up, the dove found a leaf and they saw a rainbow - breakthrough.

Let's take a look at our lives. For the children, during the school year, just when the year is dragging on and they are about to get tired, a day off is scheduled. Just when they need refreshers, reassurance comes.

For adults, just when we thought we couldn't survive, the telephone rings and someone gives us a kind word. Just when we are about to throw in the towel, a compliment comes. Just when we are at the end of our rope, the rope grows and morphs.

The next time you think, "I am not going to make it," just remember that your breakthrough comes just when you think you won't. Someone or something is set in your path to help. It may be a kind word, a song, or a prayer.

Free Screenings

We are concerned about keeping each other healthy. Our church with the volunteering of health care professionals will provide free blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and in struction in performing self-checks as well as spiritual instruction.

Where? Westside MBC, 3427 W. St. Paul, Milwaukee, WI
When? Sunday, April 18th, 2010 right after service
Time--Service 11 AM
Health Fair--about 12:30 PM
Pastor: Rev. Darrell Marbley

sysmith

The Gift

It is during this season that we see people sharing and caring for each other family, friend, and stranger alike. Is it the expectation of something great, or the fact that we are expected to surprise one another with some object that shows we care?

Perhaps, it is the fact that we took time to think about someone else. St. Nick gives to those who have been "nice." But, do you recall the greatest gift of all? Jesus, the one who God sent. The message of love was very clear. To leave a comforting home and come to a place that appears cruel and hard, competitive and cold to ensure that someone else has joy, peace, and a way to a brand new life.

What a message!!! Can our greatest gift be to show someone else we care about them? Perhaps, our joy comes from knowing that we have sacrificed for someone else and have helped them.

We can determine who we are and what our communities become.

Have a great holiday season. :)

sysmith

Overcoming Challenges

Have you ever been told that you can't do something? What about you can do something but with limitations?

I am sure that we have all had similar situations. But, it takes a persistent heart and dedicated mind to overcome those barriers. Achieving goals is one of them.

I was watching a wonderful South African film entitled, "Yesterday." The story line is powerful and the emotions it evokes keep the viewer watching and guessing. The most impressive part is that the main character holds out until she completes a goal. Overcoming...if this isn't one movie that portrays that theme.

But this frequently happens in real life. When someone tells me that I can't, I look for the opportunity to show that I can.

Share some of these experiences. I look forward to reading them.

sysmith

HFD!

Happy Father's Day.

Make the most of it and enjoy life. Write a letter to your children and seal it with a bag of love.

sysmith

Excitement!!

Has there ever been a time when you were more excited for someone else than you were for yourself? Well, that occurred to me two days ago.

My sister went to a presentation by President Obama. As she was towards the end of the line in a standing room only crowd, she figured that she would only catch a glimpse of the motorcade and surely would not see the President well from the audience. But, little did she know that God's favor was in order. She and her friend were asked to take seats on the platform. She sat in the second row. What a wonderful view she had!

This was awesome as she was not only able to see him upfront and nearly able to reach out and touch him, but is also in many of the media shots. I love it!

Needless to say, when this occurred all I could do was scream in the car! It was like that Michael Jackson effect. People scream even when he isn't in front of them. Or, it could be the Jesus effect. People screamed for him miles away. I am so excited all I can do is keep laughing.

This was extremely special as she was motivated to participate in the health care forum and stays on the mailing list. She forwards the emails we receive from the Health Department and is awaiting another community forum call.

Any yet, God's favor shows.

I would just like to thank the hostess and security as well as the President for allowing her to experience such a wonderful occasion.

Her daughter was scheduled to attend the inauguration, but wasn't able. Events like this will serve as fillers for that. I can't wait for my niece to meet him.

sysmith