Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is defined as the liquidation of one’s assets. The debtor is considered, “insolvent”; in essence, they are without net worth, and as a result, in a federal proceeding the debtor is relieved of their debt.

Because of the current state of the economy, more and more people are filing for bankruptcy. Too many of us have gotten in over our financial head, can’t afford to maintain the lifestyles to which we have grown accustomed, and must now liquidate what assets we have to survive. A great number of factors may have contributed to our financial bankruptcy: under or unemployment, loss of job, high medical bills, children’s college education, unexpected traumatic events, the increased cost of living). But regardless of the negative factors associated with our current financial condition, the end result is still the same. Bankruptcy.

But what of your spiritual life? Have your spiritual assets been liquidated? Are you operating in a spiritual vacuum, deplete of the tools necessary to make your spiritual life solvent? The answer to these questions lies in your daily relationship with God, or maybe the lack thereof. Unemployment or underemployment has negatively impacted your financial status. Has un-involvement or under-involvement with God negatively impacted your spiritual status? Increased cost of college, daily life expenses, medical bills may have had an adverse effect on your current financial status. Has the high cost of the life that we have chosen to live cost us spiritually?

And what about the notion that a lifetime of poor choices and poor fiscal management has left us in the precarious position of needing a financial bailout? Has a lifetime of poor choices and poor spiritual management left us spiritually bankrupt? God is the only bailout for the spiritual condition that we find ourselves in!! Ask for some assistance today.

Extra - ordinary Gifts

People talk a lot about gifts. Personal gifts are often admired, and may be envied by some. There are all kinds of gifts. In the natural, some people are talented vocalists or musicians. They have been given the gift of song. Some have been gifted with a high level of intelligence, or the ability to be incredible orators. World class athletes have been given the gift of extraordinary speed, or strength or athletic prowess. In the spiritual, some have been described as having the gift of discerning, healing, or prophecy. These gifted people in our midst are considered special; they are considered extraordinary.

But we have all been given extra-ordinary gifts, and for a number of us, we take these ‘ordinary’ gifts for granted. If we are sighted people, we wake up in the morning expecting to see. We rarely give it any thought or pay this gift any extra attention. If we are hearing people, we operate throughout the day expecting to hear. We rarely give it a second thought. We have always been hearing and expect to continue to be hearing. If we are verbal people, we speak from the time of awakening until the time of sleep. We never hesitate or consider that when we open our mouths, intelligible sounds would be uttered. We rarely give this ordinary gift any thought. We step out of slumber, to stand on our own two feet; not considering the gift of mobility. We move our bodies and our extremities in concert to accomplish our daily tasks. No thought is given to the gift of movement. We smell just as we breathe. It’s ordinary, it’s routine, and it’s expected.

We touch and are touched. We feel the changes in the weather against our skin. We feel the warmth of a loving caress on our bodies and in our hearts. We feel. More than that, we are a thinking people. We formulate thoughts and they are manifested into action. Our minds speak like into our very existence. Thinking is taken for granted and seen as an ordinary occurrence; too often, not an extra-ordinary process. These ordinary gifts of sight, hearing, the ability to smell, move, feel, and think are just that --- ordinary.

But are they really? Are they really all that ordinary? If they are just regular gifts, then it would be easy to relinquish any one of them, right? If seeing the love in our children’s faces is just ordinary, then we could willingly give up the gift of sight. If hearing the laughter of a small child, or the music that fills our souls is just ordinary, then we would without hesitation, relinquish the gift of hearing. If answering a question in class, making a presentation at work, or simply replying to a ‘hello’ or expressing feelings of love, is just an ordinary regular gift, then by all means, we could let go of the ability to speak. If smelling Sunday dinner that draws all family members to the collective table in communal celebration, or smelling the mind altering and sweet remembering fragrance of the one you love is a just a plain and ordinary gift, it too can be easily let go. If feeling the warmth of a mother’s breast to the face of her suckling child, or the impassioned embraced of our deepest love is just ordinary, we would rarely miss it if it was gone. If moving to help our baby that has fallen, moving in a spirit filled dance, or moving in sync to music we hear and rhythm we feel with the one we love is simply ordinary, then movement could be easily given away. If thinking about our friends, family and the one’s we hold dear is just a rudimentary and ordinary gift, then, we could think no more. Right?

We have been given gifts that keep on giving. Some of us have fewer gifts then others; but even when one gift is absent, our other gifts seemed to be increased and enhanced. God does not bestow ordinary gifts. All gifts are extra-ordinary.

No Man Before Me!

It’s outlined clearly in the Bible: “Thou shall have no other god before me”. That’s God speaking to humanity with clear instructions. This instruction is an integral part of the Ten Commandments. But is it one that we follow?

When we pledge our love to another human being during the formal process of marriage, we make very serious commitments; to love, honor, sometimes ”obey”, to cleave only to our spouse until death do us part. These are also very clear instructions; and we have great intentions going in and hopefully throughout the process.

But do the lines blur? Do we find ourselves elevating our spouses to such a high place in our lives that they become a “god” to us? For anyone who has been married, they are well aware that marriage, even a healthy and happy marriage is a lot of work. We are focused on our spouse; we want to make them happy, provide for them, love them, honor them, and take care of them. We spend a lot of time on our relationship. Before marriage, we first want to get the other persons attention and be memorable. Once we have been successful at this task, we then must initiate some type of meaningful relationship. We spend a lot of time talking, and thinking about the other person – wondering if they are thing about us. Once we have a vested interest that we want to pursue, we have to solidify the connection we have made. We put our best foot forward; we are on our best behavior, we are mindful of how we dress and what we say. We want to impress that person. Once that hurdle is crossed and genuine feelings begin to emerge, we contemplate taking a more serious step; a step to a committed relationship. Our thoughts and feelings become more intense. We begin to fantasize about a life together, and can even visualize what time spent with that person for the long haul would be like. And then we make the proposal, and all things being equal, our fantasies become our reality.

. Even in situations where marriage is not the issue, but love or seeking love is, do we step over the line? We spend so much time figuring out how to love and who to love that it can become all consuming. We worry about our significant other when they are not with us. At some times in a relationship, we can even be a little obsessed in thoughts and actions regarding the other person. Have they then become a ‘god’ to us?

Therein lies the question. The answer is simple. Do we spend as much time developing our relationship with God? Do we want to make him happy? Do we wonder if we are memorable to God? Do we actively pursue our relationship with our Divine Creator, hoping that this is a relationship that will last forever? Are we obsessive about our walk with our Higher Power?

We cannot afford to have blurry lines. We are to honor and love our spouses, as they love and honor God – in that order and under those conditions.

Make sure that the lines are clear. There shall be no god before God!

Procrastination

If we were completely honest with ourselves, we would all have to admit that at one time or another we have procrastinated. What is procrastination? Putting off for tomorrow what could be done today. Okay, so maybe we are not full procrastinators. We only put off for a half a day or a few hours what could be done now. Those of us who are proficient procrastinators justify our failure to act by adopting the philosophy, " it doesn't matter when it gets done, as long as it gets done!" Well, sounds good. But what if the shoe was on the other foot? What if that philosophy was used by the one who really controls our life? What if God adopted the procrastinator's philosophy. What would be the real ramifications and manifestations of a God who decides that it doesn't matter when it gets done, as long as it gets done?

Just reflect for a minute on the times and occasions when you pray your most ferverent prayer. Even for those who do not profess a belief in a Higher power, at times of crisis, the first exclamatory remark is too often "Oh God!" What if at that very moment when you feel you need his interventive power the most, He decides to procrastinate? What then?

So is it fair, then to expect immediacy from God when he can't expect responsiveness from us? Yes, God is all knowing and all powerful, and we all have fallen short of his glory. But what if the things that he is requiring of us must be executed at the appropriate time in order for the fullness of his bounty to manifest in our lives? What if because of our lackadaisical response time, the blessing he had in store for us is bestowed on someone else?

Our divine purpose can never be fulfilled if we choose to put off for tomorrow what he has instructed us to do today. Will we still choose then, to procrastinate?

Following Directions!

So many of us have been driving for so long that we often drive on automatic pilot; especially when we are going places that are familiar to us. We can of course drive to work and home without paying much attention to the available street and highway signs. We want to ensure that we get there safely, so we are cautious, particularly about other drivers, (and even the police).

But what happens when we need to follow directions, you know, to get to a place more unfamiliar to us or maybe where we have never been before? Some of us use computer generated directions such as map quest, or use GPS systems in our car. Some of us may call ahead to our destinations to confirm addresses and even clarify directions. Some may even use a printed map to ensure that they are going the right direction to get to the desired destination; being mindful to take the phone number of our desired location with us, just in case we get lost on the way.

We are very careful to pay attention to street and highway signs; east, west, north south, highway markers, names at exits, yield, stop, bear left bear right, fork in the road. We don’t want to drive too fast because we don’t want to miss the exit or the street we are supposed to turn on. And heaven forbid there is inclement weather. We are particularly cautious then, as rain or snow can limit visibility and make road conditions tenuous. We become hyper-conscious in inclement weather of other drivers, who may not be as careful on the roadways.

But what about the directions the Creator gives? Are we driving through life on automatic pilot, not being mindful or careful, because we are familiar with the way? Are we so confident of our own destination that we don’t pay attention to the street and highway signs, direction us to go, stop, yield, watch out for pedestrians, or fork in the road? Do we seek assistance in determining the appropriate route to take to get to a new or unfamiliar destination; consulting divine and righteous guides like the Bible or the Holy Quran? Do we heed that still sweet voice that provides mile markers and reassurances that we are traveling the right way, even in inclement weather?

Heeding the Creator’s call provides perfected direction for our lives. There may be some missed exits along the way, because of our human nature. But He has a way of providing sufficient opportunity for a legal u-turn that puts us back on our purposed path. He ensures that the street and highway signs are clear and visible, even in stormy weather; and that we have sufficient time to take the correct exit and make the proper turns.

Have you sought divine directions to find your purposed destination, or do you think you are familiar with the right and can get there on automatic pilot?

Do you have insurance?

Insurance. There are all kinds: health insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, car insurance….the list goes on and on. Having insurance is considered fiscally responsible by the financial pundits, and necessary to many of us who have it. We pay on our insurance typically in installments; whether it is monthly, quarterly, or annually. Most of us wouldn’t think of living or dying without it!

But do you have assurance? There is only one kind. It’s the assurance of knowing your higher power? Having this kind of assurance is considered spiritually responsible by the theological pundits; necessary for those of us who have it, and needed by those who don’t. We pay for this assurance in installments, as well: whether it is many times a day, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. Most of us wouldn’t think of living or dying without it!

Check your assurance policy. Ensure that you have enough coverage. Make sure you never allow your policy to lapse. If you haven’t secured an assurance policy, comparison shop, and make an informed decision. Don’t procrastinate. Failing to act can be costly.

What is Your Interest Rate?

Over and over you have heard it in the news, “The federal government is dropping the interest rate!” This report is often greeted with sighs of relief, or even exclamatory expressions, as a drop in the interest rate supposedly reflects positively on the market. Positive effects on the market may equate to stabilization of stock trades on the market; availability of credit for businesses and individuals, greater equity and a positive income flow in home ownership. Dropping the interest rate is a good thing, right?

Well, it may be good for the market, but would a drop in your interest rate be a positive? Please don’t misunderstand, your interest rate is not determined by others outside of you. Your interest rate is only determined by you. Others interest in you is ancillary at best. It has minimal if any value; particularly if you have lost interest in your self.

Your interest rate stands in stark opposition to the oxymoron that is the federal reserves reporting on the interest rate. A drop in their interest rate is a positive thing, for the most part. But what is a drop in your self interest rate? What happens when you stop being interested in the person that you are? Stop being interested in protecting, nurturing, and caring about the interest that is you?

Unlike the federal reserve, your interest rate needs to remain high and viable. An increased self interest rate means that you care enough about yourself to take pride in yourself, your responsibilities, your accomplishments, your story. So…..what is your interest rate?

Without Refrain

Without Refrain

Those who are musically inclined are well aware of the ‘refrain’ in a song. The musical refrain is the “repeat”; the chorus, the bridge, the lick – accented by differentiated rhythm, synchronization, and sharp harmonic contrast. It’s the ‘swing low sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home’ part of the song - the part you sing with more vibrato because it is familiar’ – the part you sing more loudly and confidently because you know all the words.

The refrain is the familiar. The refrain is the repeat. The refrain is cyclical. But what about life’s refrains? They can be positive or negative. Repeatedly showing signs of affection to family, friends, and especially your children is a positive refrain, a positive repeated action. Regularly saving money for a rainy day or your retirement or children’s college education is a refrain, a positively repeated action. But refrains can also be negative. Forgiving your husband, boyfriend, paramour, lover, after he beat you yet again and promised that he wouldn’t, is a negative refrain, a negative repeated action. Robbing Peter to pay Paul cause you blew the money on frivolous spending and again can’t meet your financial obligations is a negative refrain, a negatively repeated action.

Some refrains we keep, and duplicate the concept in other areas of our lives. Others are refrains that we could do without. Are you living without refrain?

Be Present!

Be present. It sounds simple enough, to be present, but this concept can prove quite difficult. I'm sure you remember being in elementary or secondary school, and the classroom roll was called. When you heard your name called by the instructor, you had to respond: PRESENT! I'M HERE! You acknowledged that your name was called, and confirmed that you were attentive to the process. I'm sure you also remember some children who were delayed in responding to the roll call. The instructor would call their name and there would be somewhat of a delay. The instructor may even repeat the name again, and maybe there would still be no response. The child was there, in the room; the teacher could see the child, as could the other children in the room; but still, there was this delay in responding.

Maybe a nudge from a classmate or the instructor elevating their voice would get the 'absent' child's attention and then they would respond, "Oh, I'm here."

Are you present? Are you attentive to the processes of life and the tasks laid out before you? Are you aware of your divine purpose and, more than that, are you operating in your purpose? When called upon, do you readily answer, "PRESENT! I'M HERE!" Or are you much like the inattentive child in class who requires an elevated voice or a not so gentle nudge?

BE PRESENT!! BE PRESENT IN YOUR PURPOSE!! What if there is no nudge, what then?