Bringing the Walls Down

I have metaphorically used scaffolding, a wall that encloses or supports a building or structure, throughout my writing and I continue that theme here.

There comes a time when the walls of scaffolding need to come down.  Is there a wall of scaffolding that is surrounding you?  Perhaps it is even holding you back from your forward progress.  It takes faith to move beyond the walls of the scaffolding.  It takes faith to move from the walls of certainty into an area of uncertainty.  It takes faith to move from the safety and assurance of the known into an area of unknown.  It takes faith to see beyond today and look towards a brighter tomorrow.  It takes faith to choose path A over path B.  You may ask, which way is my most prosperous future?  You may wonder which way promises healthy living.  You may ask the Lord, which way is the plan You have for my life?  If I am to walk in the will of God, which path should I take?

Matthew 7: 13-14 lays part of it out for you.  From the NKJV it says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  In this parable, the broad path symbolizes the myriad of choices, feel good moments, and quick fixes but they each lead to an end of destruction.  The narrow way sounds like it may be hard to get through but it is, however, wide enough for all that choose it.  This path is for those that choose to place God first and follow his plan for your future.  The narrow path leads to a life of purpose and hope with an expected end.

It may take reaching beyond our familiar comfort zone, but reach out, press forth, make a difference.  God bless you.

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

May Thoughts/June Thoughts

May Thoughts
The foundation is built and what goes in the foundation helps solidify the structure that will sit on top of it.  If your foundation is solid, if it has been laid with love, compassion, and making right choices, then your life will reflect righteousness and purposeful living.  I have heard it said, “Do what’s right because it’s what’s right.”

It was Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and the anniversary of the passing of my brother.  My previous message of removing the scaffolding of grief applied to me repeatedly throughout the month.  It was a necessary to remove that part of the scaffolding that suffocated like a shroud.  The light came in and the sweet memories were once again revealed. 

Mother's Day is one of the many occasions we are given to reflect on our mother’s love and the support we were given over the years as well as the impact she had on our lives making us who we are today.  I remember my mother having the heart and the wisdom to see in me my strengths and hopes yet supporting me in my difficult times.  What do you remember about your mother?  If she is still here, when did you last speak to her, shared a pleasant thought?  If she is not still here, think of your fondest memory now and allow the light from your scaffolding to shine through.

June Thoughts

Be a person of integrity.
Hold on to your integrity.
Your plan, your goal, your ultimate desire should be to live a life of integrity.
Never allow falsehoods and negativity to engulf you.
Who are you when the scaffolding comes down?
When the walls are bare, and there’s no one there?
Who are you?
Where do you stand?
Do you have an unbreakable grip on integrity?

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

The Lord is My Shepherd

Have you read the 23^rd Psalm?  I mean REALLY read it.  Not simply recite it from memory but I mean have you read it, absorbed it, digested it…it is GOOD!

 ATTENTION!!            ATTENTION!!           ATTENTION!!

I draw your attention to this Psalm because it has often been the foundation of our Bible reading and recitation.  Many important points about this psalm should be read and absorbed into your spirit.  Join me as we read this Psalm again….together….for the first time.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

This psalm is written by a shepherd (David) who served as King about The Shepherd, the King of Kings (Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ).

The job of a shepherd is to take care of and lead sheep.  Sheep are known for not being the smartest animal and therefore need a shepherd to take care of them.  Likewise, Psalm 100:3 says that We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  As sheep, we also need caring for and just as the shepherd tends to every one of his flock; likewise The Shepherd tends to and cares for every one of His flock.
The 23^rd Psalm declares the goodness of God as the Shepherd caring and providing for us, his sheep.  As we trust God for our cares, we will not need anything.
The Lord is my Shepherd-I trust him, He is able and he does take care of me
He provides us green pastures – not dry, barren wasteland
Still waters yet not stagnant or rough stormy but fresh, spring water to quench our thirst.
Restores my soul as opposed to leaving me down and lost.  He restores us, revives us, refreshes us.
Shadow of death – there is no need to fear a shadow, it cannot hurt you.  Even at the end of my days, I have no need to fear because God has promised his comfort and protection.
Prepares a table in the presence of my enemies – although it may seem I don’t have all I want, I do have all I need.  My necessities are provided.  People or situations that seek to destroy me will not succeed because again, He is my protection.
Anoint my head with oil- the oil symbolizes the most precious gift for the most precious person
My cup runs over – not just enough to get by but blessings, comfort, and protection more than I expected or anticipated or probably even deserve. 

Goodness and mercy – our guardian angels are always with us
Dwell in the house of the Lord forever- When all is said and done here, the Lord has a special place for me to live n eternity with him.

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

Lift Every Voice...

By God’s grace we come to the close of another Black History month, I admonish you to forge on through this day and the days ahead recalling the significance of the many contributions by Black Americans to this country…the land of the free and the home of the brave.  Then I admonish you to realize with open eyes and open heart that we, as a people, have not arrived.  Many forward steps have turned into backward steps but we must push forward.

There are many pioneers currently striving for the end to racial tension and bulldozing down the racial divide.  There are many who are striving for voter equality.  There are many fighting for social service programs to care for our elderly and educate our children.  We need to stand with these pioneers and many others.

If your voice is a political voice, then by all means politic.

If your voice is an educator, then by all means teach.

If your voice is a caregiver, then by all means treat.

If you are a creator, inventor, artist, then by all means, do it.

If you are a child finding your way, then by all means listen, search, and explore.

Perhaps you choose to adorn yourself in the African brocade garments and elegant African dress and coat to represent your culture as we did on a Sunday during Black History Month.

Whatever your voice, lift it; whatever your gift, let it be heard, let it be seen.  Are you an athlete? Perhaps you are a strategic thinker? Does the power of your words motivate people to action?  Are you a great listener? Write down your dreams, your hopes, your talents.  Write it down so you can see it and work on it.  “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, so he may run that reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)

Never forget where we have come from and prepare for the journey that lies ahead.

Our struggles may not look great at the moment but through God’s grace we will come out shining like pure gold.

Use the gifts and talents you have to make a difference in your home, your community, your nation.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

Black History

The scaffolding of division has come down in many ways but there is still a long way to go.  Thank you to Mr. Carter G. Woodson, historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the Journal of Negro History, for the establishment of Negro History Week in February 1926.  Then in February 1976, the celebration of Negro History Week was extended to a month, evolving into Black History Month.

Our month seems to be quickly coming to a close but there is still yet so much history to acknowledge, so many memories to bask in, and so much still be learned.  Regardless of the date on the calendar, we must continue our quest for knowledge and teach the history of our ancestors.

Why is Black History important?  One reason is the younger generation needs to know the historical lineage behind their roots.  Our history ought to serve as a motivating force behind our need and desire to succeed.

Won’t it motivate a young black woman aspiring to get her degree to know that Georgiana Simpson, University of Chicago; Sadie T. Alexander, University of Pennsylvania and Eva B. Dykers, Radcliffe College were the first black women to earn PhDs in 1921?

Would it motivate you, young black politician, to know that Carl B. Stokes paved a political avenue for you when he became the first black mayor of a major U.S. city (Cleveland, Ohio?)

Why not strive to be a successful physician or surgeon like Dr. Charles Drew who discovered blood plasma or Dr. Ben Carson, the first black surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head.

Are you a singer or musician?  Then sing, write, compose as you recall the struggles and successes of John Coltrane, James Brown, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, Diana, Ross, and Donnie McClurkin…and the list goes on and on.

Perhaps you are an artist like the late great sculptor Elizabeth Catlett who made tremendous contributions to the art world.

Whatever your goal, whatever your aspiration, do it…be it with all your might.

Preparation=Education

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

Reconvene in 2013

As we begin this New Year, I challenge you; I challenge myself to make 2013 a year of renewing.  First, by renewing your relationship with God.  Recall that initial encounter with the Lord and revive the freshness of the new relationship with Him, and draw even closer.

Renew your dreams, renew your plans.   Perhaps you had a plan; perhaps you started making that dream come alive.  That contribution you have is important.

Make 2013 the year to reconvene.  Get it started again.  Bring those plans back together again, stop procrastinating and make it happen.

If you have not done so already, make a commitment to be an instrument of change no matter how small or how large the change, do it.

A staggering statistic was reached in Chicago in 2012.  There were over 500 homicides in 2012. (506 to be exact)  This is only the number from one city; however, the numbers remain high for gang-related homicides and mass shootings such as the most recent that has plagued our nation at Sandy Hook Elementary.  The question still unanswered is why?  Where do we start to find a solution? Why do some individuals have no regard for human life?  What is the best solution to keeping guns out of the hands of people with a known mental illness?  How do we stop gang violence?  What is the attraction to gangs and the violence they perpetuate?  We must get to the root of these and many other issues for change to occur.

Some of the answers to these and many other questions are still far away.  Part of the solution involves the media not sensationalizing the criminal and still another part of the solution involves penetrating the communities, the schools, the churches, and the homes with education.  We need to be aware of and act on the warning signs of potential violence and troubling behavior, particularly among our youth.  Be an instrument of change in your own home and then let it permeate into the schools, the community, and our nation.

I pray that 2013 is a wonderfully blessed year for you.  A year to reconvene the plans, the strategies, and the change that was started.

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

The Honorable Molly Pitcher Award

 On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, I received the Honorable Molly Pitcher Award.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have made and continue to make a contribution to the Air Defense Community and the community at large.  As you will see in the story of Molly Pitcher, there are times when it is necessary to get down into the trenches in order to lend a helping hand.  It is with a great sense of pride that I share the following information with you:

People of the Revolutionary War: The Story of Molly Pitcher

The Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher is bestowed by the U.S. Field Artillery Association (USFAA) and the Air Defense Artillery Association (ADAA) to recognize women who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the U.S. Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery Communities. The award is named after Molly Pitcher who distinguished herself during the American revolutionary war.

Mary Hays McCauly was a notable woman who made her mark in American history book for her legendary deeds in the Revolutionary War. She was known as Molly Pitcher because she provided water to soldiers who fought in the Battle of Monmouth Court House. McCauly was born on October 13, 1744 in New Jersey. In her growing years, she came to be known as Molly. When she became a teenager, she worked in the house of General William Irvine who lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. For several years, she was a family servant. During the summer of 1769, she met a barber named John Hays. They tied the knot in the same year. After they were married, John pursued his dreams of becoming a soldier, enlisting in Proctor’s First Pennsylvania Artillery. Stirred by her strong love for John Hays, Molly accompanied him, even unto the battlefield.

During the American Revolution, all wives of soldiers were left at home to take care of the children. The bold move by Molly was something that doesn’t happen all the time. In general, private soldiers took their wives with them. The wives would serve the soldiers by doing the laundry and cooking their meals. Women were normally assigned to sleep in wagons so they could be transported from one place to another.

Every account of the Battle of Monmouth would include the story of Molly Pitcher. The date of the battle fell on June 28, 1778. The British soldiers were headed by General Clinton. On the American side, General George Washington was the leader. The main battleground was an open field. Unfortunately, there was a lack of tactics on the side of the Americans. They became disorganized and broke their ranks. It was during this time that Molly played her inspirational role, lifting the demoralized American soldiers. Unfazed by all the danger and gore of battle, she possessed the presence of mind and courage to help the Americans.

John Hays was in charge of firing cannons. The day was very hot and the artillerymen were suffering from intense heat. Not far away, Molly gathered her strength and got a bucket. She began to bring the soldiers water from a nearby spring. When the soldiers were thirsty, they would call out “Molly Pitcher” and she would carry water to them. From then on, the term “Molly Bucket” was used on the women who carried water during the war. Other than that, Molly Pitcher also helped to nurse the wounded soldiers and even saved a crippled Continental soldier by carrying him out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, John Hays was killed in the battle. Molly Pitcher was running towards him but there was really nothing which could be done. Instead of going home to mourn her beloved husband, she fought in his spirit.  Just when the rest of the cannon crew was about to withdraw, Molly Pitcher grabbed the rammer from her husband’s hands, continuing his work. Throughout the battle, she handled the job very well, until the Americans won.

After the war, General Washington personally awarded a warrant as a non-commissioned officer to Molly Pitcher so she became known as “Sergeant Molly”. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized her bravery, granting a yearly pension of $40. In 1832, Molly Pitcher died. Fittingly, she was buried with military honors reserved for heroes. Molly Pitcher was buried in the Old Graveyard located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. There are two monuments built in her memory.

 SharB~TTSD

#TakeTheScaffoldingDown