That Guy... Don't be him.

Everyone knows "That Guy" don't they? Everyone seriously dislikes "That Guy" but almost no one tells "That Guy" that he's actually "That Guy". Quite the canundrum. How is "That Guy" supposed to know he's "That Guy" if no one ever says. "Hey, you know you're "That Guy" don't you?"

At this point in the blog you're probably obsessing over the supersaturation of "That Guy" being used in my blogging on "That Guy", right? One more for good measure? "That Guy"...

Good times... but seriously. I have an acquaintance in my life who is the epitome of "That Guy". He's called my cell approximately 10 times in the last week, left several messages, and not once has he left a descriptive message as to why I should call him back. Just, "Hey Change, what's up? This is "That Guy"... so give me a call as soon as you can!" I laugh... then I don't call him back.

It's not that I wouldn't call him back if he had a valid reason, which he may have, but he's yet to relay that information to me. See, this guy is "That Guy" who only ever calls when he wants something from you, and has nothing to offer you in return. I've helped him on several occasions, done things for him that I generally charge other people money for doing, and have given him the benefit of the doubt on several occasions since. I'm simply tired and done dealing with him at this point.

See, I don't mind helping people. In fact, I enjoy it quite a bit. What I don't like at all, is being used. That is what "That Guy" does, he uses people for his own gain, and has nothing to offer in return. I suppose I'll receive a message today or tomorrow with him expressing his frustration about me not calling him back yet (it's happened before) and I'll chuckle at his angst considering he still won't have given me details on why he's trying to get in touch with me.

So, learn a life lesson here. Don't be "That Guy". Capiche?

30

Yes indeed. I turned 30 last week. I wasn't dreading it like many people (read: women) do. Merely another day at this point. Nothing fancy, nothing monumental.

The only thing remarkable about it would be, I never thought I'd get here. At one point in my life, I never thought I'd live to see 21, let alone 30. There was a stage in my youth where I was quite positive I was bound for an early death or imprisonment.

Thank God for His grace and redemption. Looking forward to forty!

Embarrassed of my Brethren

I'm extremely embarrassed right now. The morning after an historic election within this country, countless numbers of "Christians" on facebook, blogs, and websites across the nation are spewing hate, lies, and vulgarity towards Barack Obama. On one web forum I frequent, one so-called “Christian” posted a picture of a Black Aborted fetus, eluding to the notion that this is what we have to look forward to…

Wow.

Another person declared they “can’t wait to hear Obama’s speech in 4 years when nothing has changed, and he’s failed his country”… These aren’t extreme examples… Status updates on Facebook declaring Obama is a Terrorist, and God voted for McCain… Absolutely disgusting display of behavior from “the Church”. Yet, we wonder why the lost don’t come beating down our doors for direction and guidance? How pompous are we?

McCain is not a Christian. His speech and actions can tell you such. He chose a conservative Christian running mate, to pander for the Evangelical vote which belonged to Bush. It was nothing more than a marketing approach. I don’t believe Obama is a Christian either. The views of his longtime pastor and mentor do not Vibe with the teachings of Jesus Christ, so don’t get it twisted. This isn’t relevant to my point, so let me move on…

Rom 13:1-2 MKJV
(1) Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority but of God; the authorities that exist are ordained by God.
(2) So that the one resisting the authority resists the ordinance of God; and the ones who resist will receive judgment to themselves.

Is the above scripture open to interpretation? Sure. But I think Paul spells it out in black and white for all to see. We’re called to support our authorities is prayer, and in action (including speech or text or status updates…) as Christians. I don’t care who you voted for, and I don’t care what your personal opinion of our new President Elect happens to be. What I do care about, is whether or not you portray yourself as a child of God, and how that reflects on the rest of us.

I’m not asking you to be fake, and wear an Obama sticker on your popped-collar. I am asking that you submit to God’s plan, support your Authorities with prayer and actions. We won’t like what our Authorities always do. But unless it goes against God, we’re to submit to it. That’s the call, and that’s the cross we choose to bare for Christ… If only some of us truly lived what we claim we do...

You got a purdy mouf...mmm hmmm

Anyone else sick of the endless mudslinging right now? Man, thank God for DVR's! It's sickening the amount of ad revenue spent on lies, slander, and blatant misleading propaganda perpetuated by the GOP and the DNC. What gives? How is it, that in this "Great Nation" built on the premise of "In God We Trust" we have two deceitful parties involved with the most disgusting political tactics without remorse?

Makes me think, that this type of activity is so commonplace in our lives at this point, that most people don't give a second thought to spewing mistruths regardless of whom it hurts. Obama and McCain are receiving the brunt of it these last few months but, who do we inflict undeserved pain on in our day to day lives without a second thought?

Jam 3:2-10 MKJV
(2) For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a full-grown man, able also to bridle the whole body.
(3) Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, so that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body.
(4) Behold also the ships being so great, and driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small rudder, where the impulse of him steering desires.
(5) Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Behold how little a fire kindles how large a forest!
(6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. So the tongue is set among our members, spotting all the body and inflaming the course of nature, and being inflamed by hell.
(7) For every kind of animals, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of sea-animals, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.
(8) But no one can tame the tongue, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
(9) By this we bless God, even the Father. And by this we curse men, who have come into being according to the image of God.
(10) Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Something that most of us as Christians probably would like to believe we have control over. We don't speak cruel to one another (most of the time) and we certainly would never talk about one another behind backs, now would we?

"I'm picking up on your sarcasm" - Gas Attendant in Tommy Boy

We should really strive to be better. I know it's time for me to step up, and stop allowing myself, and others around me to perpetuate this problem. Do your part, I implore you.

The "Change" we need...

Apparently I don't have the proper trademarks in place...

Frankly, I'm sick of everyone talking about "Change" when the reality is, neither prominent party candidate will change much of anything in the immediate future.

Why do we need a President to change things? I realize our poor and middle-class are suffering. What can we as God-fearing men and women do to alleviate that? What are we called to do by God's word?

One of the most common theme's throughout scripture, is Christ compelling us (the church) to take care of those in need. It's part of who we're to be, in Christ. Does that mean government shouldn't be taking care of it's poor and suffering? Not at all. In fact, I believe if we want to call ourselves a Christian nation, we (the people) must mandate that our government does so. Not just in 3rd world countries, or places we've destroyed due to war. But in our own backyards, and street corners, and alleys.

We have a voice. It will not be a collective one, as many Christians are divided over to whom they should caste their vote. I implore you, vote your heart. Pray about it, and do what seems right according to your walk. Yes, I know who I'm voting for, and I know why. I also know how the issues align with the Word of God, and why I feel so compelled to vote the way I will on November 4th.

Let's not end our campaign for "change" at the voting booth. I don't have money to spare, and I'm sure you don't either. Times are tough for everyone right now. But this is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. Are we Christians or not? Would Christ reach out and help those in need, in whatever method he could? Should we not do the same?

Yes, it's time for change. A change of heart...

West Coasting...

Back from my recent 5 day trip to the west coast. Glad to be home, I dislike leaving my family for lengthy periods. However, it's nice to get away from it all, too.

I'm always happy to go back to Vegas, my home away from home. I get to visit my brother Mike and his family, and I get to hang out with my friends from when we lived there. Shouts out to Kwon, Kruz, Torcherous, P2, and Heather Fox. It was cool to kick it with the fam.

One thing remains the same over time. Wherever you have family in Christ, you have family for life. When I step off a plane in Vegas, I feel like I never left. My friends and I don't miss a beat, it's as though I still live there, and they treat me the same as always. I love that. I miss living out there. I miss the lights, the action, the Hip-Hop scene, late night studio sessions, you name it... I miss it.

Nothing deep here folks, just giving props to my West Coast fam. Thanks for the hospitality last week.

-Change

P.S. Kruz, finish your album... slacker.

Be Excellent

Col. 3:17 “and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Col. 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Eph 6:8 “Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”

What do those scriptures say to you? In short, to me, they say "Be excellent". At work, at home, as a Salesman, as a Father, as a Minister, as a Husband... You get the idea. We're called to do these things to the best of our abilities. Some of us (really, all of us... just some choose to not respond) are called to certain things. Pastors, ministers, singers, politicians... well, maybe not politicians...heh. But those of us who respond to the call, are called to do that specific thing in excellence.

This is one of my biggest beefs with "Christians" as a whole. As long as someone says they're doing whatever it is they're doing, for "the Lord", they're given a pass. Ever hear this one...?

"Well bless her heart, she's singing for Jesus"...

But she's the last person who should ever touch a microphone? Why is Sister Cantsingalick given a pass? I think there's a couple of reasons, but it mostly boils down to a lack of discipline. On the part of the person trying to operate in a gift they don't have, and on the part of the church encouraging people to "keep doing it for Jesus!".

If you're called to sing, then sing. If you can't sing, get lessons. Train, pursue your calling with the intention of being excellent at it. If it turns out you're tone deaf, or physically unable to sing, re-evaluate your call. It's possible you weren't called to be a singer after all... It's possible you just wanted to be a singer.

Does this mean if you're not good at something, you can't be called to it? Not at all... Often times God calls us to do things outside of our comfort zone. God knows we're capable of doing these things as He enables us, but we have to step out in faith. My pastor is a very good preacher. He's great at it, actually. He's funny, he's well spoken, he interacts with his congregation, and draws people in. 12 years ago he was horrible, and he'd tell you that himself. He pursued his calling, and God grew that gift because it was his calling.

In the Hip-Hop industry, I have seen many people operate in what they call their "gift" of rapping, but they're simply terrible at it. They simply say "I'm doing it for the Lord" and it's a ticket to freedom. Truth is, they probably aren't called to be a rapper, they just love the music and the culture, and wanted to be a rapper. Know how many people I've heard say "I've always wanted to be a singer..." or ________ (insert random talent here)...? Everyone wants to do something they're not good at. I'd love to be a guitar player, but I can't play a chord to save my life. If I said I was "playing for Jesus" and then couldn't string together two notes, would you question my call? I certainly would...

It's important to evaluate our position every so often. Are we operating in our gift pursuant to our call? Or are we doing something we want to do because we think we're good at it, but we're really not? Do you have people in your life who are free to tell you so?

I'm anticipating the emails from my friends telling me to stop rapping now.... haha