They Didn't Ask, So I Won't Tell!

   

One of the main reasons for contention between Christians and LGBTQ is that the LGBTQ crowd has never asked for the opinion of Christians, plain and simple.  An unsolicited opinion is as offensive as an unwanted house guest who shows up at your home, right before you are going to leave, broke, stinking and hungry and needs a place to stay indefinitely lol.

     Since the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, Christians have been up in arms over the meaning of this highly controversial decision.  You can go to any social site and read numerous comments for and against gay marriage, traditional marriage, the meaning of life as God intended, biblical interpretations condoning love for all and the list goes on.

   

To me, it's really simple.  I will not express my opinion UNLESS someone asks me for it, simple.  Does anyone realize how ineffective it is to tell another person, who doesn't want to hear what you've got to say, your opinion?  You'd be better off voting in the general election than you would be to tell another person your opinion of what's right and wrong, and you should know that voting is probably one of the most ineffective ways to get positive change, but I digress.

   

I have yet to have ANYONE from the LGBTQ crowd ask me if what I think they believe in is right or wrong.  Sure, I've been inundated with their ideals.  Almost everywhere I turn I see them promoting their agenda in social media, television, parades, billboards, magazines, movies, you name it, LGBTQ has their hand in it, stirring up the pot to push tolerance of their beliefs.  Fine.  I'll keep doing me.  However, what I won't do is tell them what I think about them, UNLESS they ask, which they won't.

     So Christians, here is my unsolicited advice to you:  "Do Not Give What Is Holy To The Dogs; Nor Cast Your Pearls Before Swine, Lest They Trample Them Under Their Feet, And Turn And Tear You In Pieces" (Matthew 7:6"

Runnin' Them Streets

   

Here's a sad story about drug use:  I recently invited some people over to my home that I once used to use drugs with.  They are still using.  They refused my invitation because they can't do their drugs in my home, so they'd rather pass up my hospitality of good entertainment and home cooking to continue using dope.  Crazy....  

     Man, I can't say enough about the trials, tribulations, dangers and death that lurk in the streets. Forty five years strong and I tell you, if it wasn't for the mercy of God, I wouldn't be here today. Let's see, I've been jacked(mugged) three times, twice by gun, once by knife, but even beyond that, I live in the 'hood and deal with shady people day in and day out.  Thing is, people out here in AZ don't know how to take me because I'm not from here, I don't act like the people out here and I don't exude fear.  That being said, hood folks out here have classified me as police.  Imagine that.  That's cool though, 'cuz that tells me they're afraid of me for whatever reason.

   

Anyways, the life of drugs, hangin' and bangin', and bullsh*ttin' ain't about nothin'.  The best day I ever had high has never been better than the worst day I've ever had sober.  That's because being high on drugs ALWAYS led to misery, ALWAYS!  Why would someone intentionally make themselves miserable?  That's the question one should ask.  I tell you from experience that I really don't know why I did it to myself.  I've got a great life, very blessed, yet my nature is to run in these streets, indulging my flesh and doin' what the f*ck I want to do.  A very sordid ordeal I must say.

     So, even though I have no complaints, I can't say I'm universally happy.  One thing about drug use is, it clouds the mind, it slows one down, killing dreams.  Though I haven't used in awhile, I still experience the lifestyle as I see it almost everywhere I go.  My neighbors use drugs, there's trap houses everywhere.  There's two methadone clinics within a mile radius, so there are a lot of heroin addicts using dog food at the parks my kids play at. There's also a huge homeless community that also lives nearby and there are a lot of mentally ill people that walk the streets. Crazy bro, but that's a snapshot of what I see today!

Let's Dust The Rust Off!

   

    Man, it's been awhile since I've posted here.  Matter of fact it's been so long I forgot my login name and password.  I had to do some research and guess work to get into my own account, imagine that.

     Anyways, what's been going on in the world during my absence?  A lot!  Right now I'm just trying to get back into writing, so please bear with me if this post seems to rattle on.  I've made a lot of progress since the last time I posted.  I graduated college.  Got a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video.  Got a job.  Quit the job.  Started my own business.  Moved.  Twice.  Lost 50 pounds.  That about wraps it up as far as being current.  I've got a lot on my mind, and I plan on telling it to the world, or at least to those that may find it interesting.  I've got a few loose ends to tie up, but I am back in the saddle so stay tuned for some good ish!

Why do men deny their love for a woman?

     This question was posed to me by a person I suspect is trying to solve the age old mystery, "what the heck is the opposite sex thinking?"  I believe men will have a better chance of figuring out the proper formula through chemistry to create human blood than they will figuring out the inner workings of a woman.  That being said, women can EASILY figure out everything there is to know about a man because we are simple creatures.

     Back to the question at hand, Why do men deny their love for a woman?  I could speak for all men but I'm going to field this one with my own personal knowledge and experience.  First, denying my love for a woman has never occurred.  That in itself has posed some problems considering society frowns on people who are not in monogamous relationships.  Women also don't particularly like to know their man is not denying other women love while they are in a relationship with them.  Right there are two reasons why a man may deny his love for a woman.  Also, the John Wayne Bobbitt severing is still fresh in the minds of many men.

     Those were reasons from a man that is in a committed relationship.  What about men who are single?  What reasons could they possibly have for denying their love for a woman?  Right away I think of being afraid to make a commitment.  A lot of men just aren't ready for, or just don't want to commit themselves to, any long-term relationships.  Some men have been through painful experiences and can't quite trust that another relationship won't end up the same way.  Other men are just immature and would rather hang with their buddies and have the occasional, "no-strings-attached" booty call.  Another reason a man, or woman for that fact, may deny their love, is because there is none.  A person can't deny something that was never there, nor can a person force something that was never there.

     So let's take a look back at the reasons listed above:
◆  Society frowns on polygamous, open relationships
◆  Women frown on polygamous, open relationships
◆  John Wayne Bobbitt's genitals were really severed(cut-off)
◆  Fear of commitment
◆  Incapable of trust
◆  Immature
◆  Never was in love

Those are all reason that are obvious, or at least they are to me, but I do understand that some people try so hard to create a committed, loving relationship that they don't see obvious signs in front of them.  I hope this will help someone understand that the problem really isn't them.  It's a matter of being able to love oneself regardless of what anyone else thinks or does!

   

The Holy Spirit-person sent by God or the power of God

     I recently saw a discussion on FaceBook that asked the question, "How do you know you have the HolyGhost?"  What I found interesting about this conversation was the division in answers from numerous people.  Some said the Holy Spirit is present when you speak in tongues.  Others said the Holy Spirit is present with the manifestation of power.  Still others said the Holy Spirit is present at all times, while others said the Holy Spirit can be summoned by ones actions.  One thing is certain, people perceive everything in their own way.

     For what it's worth, I will put my two-cents in.  First, I will be cautious and admit that I do not possess the level of intelligence that will allow me to tell you the meaning of God's plans and actions.  There are a lot of people who would do good by understanding they also do not possess that kind of intelligence, but unfortunately they are hindered by ignorance, hence the reason why you hear so many ludicrous and idiotic teachings by people who don't have a clue as to what they are talking about.

     Anyways, I believe the Holy Spirit is sent by God to help His children live the abundant life that was given to them through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I also believe the Holy Spirit is always present.  It's our ability to receive the Holy Spirit that is not always there.  For example, when I am close to my Father, through continual praise, worship, prayer and study of His Word, I can feel and witness the Holy Spirit moving.  However, when I am gratifying my flesh, living according to what my flesh wants, whether it be illicit sex, drug use, or gluttonous behavior, I cannot sense the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit hasn't left me in those times, I just can't sense Him because I am self-involved which blinds me to everything except what is pleasing to my flesh.

     I want to exercise caution and care with my words because I don't want to contribute to the division of Christians by Christians.  The body of Christ is often at odds with itself because people would rather share their opinions and interpretations of The Word instead of seeking God to work through them to share The Word with others.  I have a great deal to learn but the Good News is, I have the Greatest teacher of ALL TIME!

How Does A Man Prevail In A Sexually Charged World?

    

     How does a man prevail in a sexually charged world?  Hmmm... good question.  At the ripe old age of 44, I don't actually have an answer for that question.  Up until very recently, I struggled with controlling my thoughts concerning the opposite sex.  I used to "size-up" EVERY woman I saw and play a mini-porn in my head.  Yes, I know, that is sad, but it actually occurred, until...  I figured out that women don't view sex the same way men do.

     As far as I can tell, men perceive sex from a physical standpoint, whereas women view sex from an emotional standpoint.  Men consider sex "high" on the list of priorities and accomplishments, while women look at sex rather casually almost dismissively to the point of being non-existent.  However, women are very aware of how men perceive sex, and they use that valuable information to their advantage.  To be fair, there are men out there who also realize the power that women wield over men and they also use that information to manipulate other men, bastards(lol).

   

It's no secret that sex sells any and everything.  You can turn the t.v. on at anytime of the day or night and see scantily clad women or topless, six-pack abs men posing for or hawking some trivial item for you the viewer to be interested in and buy.  As a matter of fact, companies spend billions of dollars a year on ads to get you to buy their products and a majority of those ads involve a sexually charged theme whether it be subtle or in-your-face.  One of the more aggressive companies, Victoria's Secret has a huge marketing campaign aimed at men, mailing catalogs to more men than women even though most of their products are made for women.  Restaurants, automobile manufactures, beer brewers, swimming pool cleaners, shoe companies, health care providers, pharmaceutical companies, legal teams, clothing designers, music artists and list goes on, all utilize sex in the marketing of their services and products because it's been proven that sex=sales.

Inevitably it get's darker.  For years the movie industry has been accused of and is guilty of using subliminal messaging as a way to promote sex and other agendas.  There are many examples of phallic symbols and gestures drawn into children's cartoons.  For some sick reason Disney seems to lead the industry in soft pornographic messages and drawings that are seen by millions of people.  I saw a drawing of Mickey Mouse holding what appeared to be a penis and in an episode of Spongebob Squarepants, his friend Patrick appears to be licking a penis.  I digress.

This blog was originally conceived to address the constant bombardment of sexual images in todays society and how men are to address, and survive in a climate where sexual innuendo is rampant.  Quite honestly, I don't like the fact that I have to deal with sex in some form everyday of my life.  To say the least, it's very distracting, which is its intent.  Hopefully, as I grow older and my libido continues to lessen, I will eventually be immune to the effects of sexual manipulation.  Until then, who wants to go to Hooters?

Freedom Of Speech In America Is A Pipe Dream

     Way back in 1993 when I was a young man trying to find his way in this world, I owned a record label and managed groups.  One of the groups, The Line, which was a combination of two groups, created a song called "Don't cross the Line!"  This particular song dealt with the abuses that police inflicted upon members of the group, including wrongful imprisonment, beatings, harassment, and the list continues.  Also in this song were lyrics describing the fictional shooting death of a Reno police officer:
"Pop(open)the trunk is what he(police) said but I wouldn't do it, I've got no keys to the lock so you can't get to it,"
"Plus, you've got no good reason to look through my shit, my name is on the papers(registration) and my car's legit"
"He just laughed though, like he heard a joke, reached into his coat and pulled a key(kilo) of coke"
"And said, "Ya, it's what you think, I'm 'bout to set you up, he put a cap(bullet) in my trunk and it opened up,"
"But what he saw he wasn't expecting, he just stood still, because my boy was in the trunk, I told him "SHOOT TO KILL!"
"POP,POP,POP, was the sound to his forehead, three more shots to the chest he's pronounced dead,"
"See cops they break the law, it happens all the time, but this is what happens WHEN THEY CROSS THE LINE!"
     Pretty powerful lyrics written at a time when our country was seeing an extremely high rate of police brutality.  Gangster rap music was a manifestation of the anger minority youths were experiencing from dealing with a justice system and society that was actively and purposely trying to exterminate them through violent tactics and by legal sanctions.  This particular song caused some controversy in Reno, first, getting the attention of the police who then had the album pulled out of a privately owned record store, Mirabelli's.  The owner either felt loyalty to the police department, or was pressured to remove the album.  Either way, there was an active movement to shut this album down.  However, it backfired and more copies were sold, BECAUSE OF THE POLICE ACTIONS.  The owner of Recycled Records allowed me to place my album in his store because he felt our right to freedom of speech was being infringed upon.  Police are such idiots.  Their own fear and hate caused more copies to be sold than probably would've been had they not have brought any attention to the album.

     There were repercussions though.  After the smoke settled, I had detectives following my family and I for a period of time.  I remember being arrested for disturbing the peace, which I was not, and police slamming me into the back of the squad car laughing and saying, "hey, you can write a song about this too!"  Some of the other members of the group also experienced harassment which stemmed from the making of that album.  I had trouble booking venues for any of my groups after that, which cut into my livelihood.  The cost of freedom of speech was high.

     At any rate, this was just a small example of what takes place around the entire nation were rogue groups of people with a little authority are allowed to suppress the rights and voices of those who have no authority.  America was founded on a set of ideals and principles that were to allow people to pursue a life of freedom and happiness, but you've got to read the fine print at the bottom of the constitution:

                                                                                              

                                                                                             You've got to be the right color!