Speakin My Mind

Greetings blog fam...

Pimpin Preachas
Did ya'll hear Michael Baisden's show about Pimps in the pulpit??? Well neither did I, but I intended to...lol (You know what they say about intentions) N e way tho I've given the concept a whole bunch of thought. I have to agree that indeed there are "pimps" in the proverbial pulpit. When I say pimps of course I don't mean in the literal sense, not saying that that is impossible, but preachers or so called men of God that pimp the people. Pimp the people for money, prestige, and favors (sexual or otherwise.) I think a major problem lies in the vunerability of those looking for God or a spiritual "experience."The desire of people to "feel" a certain way in this endeavor creates a major opportunity for manipulation. All a person has to do these days is memorize the right scriptures, the way to quote them, maybe sing a good song or two and tell people what they want to hear..and bam! the pimping can begin. Many preachers "pimp" their congregations into "sowing" exorbitant amounts of money into the "ministry" as ways to assure that God will hear them, as a way to exercise faith. I don't disagree that believers ought to tithe and give offering and that the preacher is worthy of highest pay...but some of this has gotten out of hand. I remember seeing a preacher on tv...he said to call and he'd send a package for free. I was going through something and was vunerable. I called and what he sent was a vile of "miracle water" that I was to use some way or another (I now forget) to get the blessing or deliverance that I desired...BUT, before I could open the vile, I had to send a monetary "seed" of faith of something like $25. I just threw it away, but it aggravated me.
Another example, I met a guy...I was sold on him because I was waiting for a "man of God." He did and said everything to convince me that he was just that. Once he had reeled me in, he became aggressive sexually. It threw me for a loop. It wasn't that neither of us had had sex before, but he had represented himself like he was celibate...I believed that our intentions were to remain that way. I was really damaged by the fact that I'd trusted him. It may sound laughable to you, but I know that true men of God exist that stand by their word and on the Word of God.
So this isn't to say that everyone who preaches is wrong..it's just to affirm that they all aren't right. We as lay-people ought not assume that because a person stands in the pulpit or wears a priest get up that they represent God. It is up to us to be cautious, vigilant, and prayerful...to ask God if the messenger is His own, to look at the Word of God and test what is being said AND done. I personally think Michael Baisden has a beef with the church...but the church is an institution that represents something. But it isn't the institution or the corrupt folx that matter...it is a true relationship with God. Namean??

OOOH I's Gon' b an Auntie!!!
I am so excited!! My brother's girl is having a baby (am I gon' get in trouble 4 posting that?) I hope not...daddy been knew..lol. Anyway I haven't been this excited since my own! I been keeping it in but I'm 'bout to bubble over. I'm so excited about having her (Rina) as a sister and her sister too. After some drama in my marriage the only sister I had (my in law) was prohibited...lol...from seeing me anymore. My heart was broke. I used to cry everytime I thought about it and her. But God has blessed me with two new sisters and I couldn't be happier! Also my child hood friend Danielle is expecting and my other girlfriend (whose name I can't say) She specifically forbade me from blogging about it. hehehe! So I'm gonna be an auntie 3x over! I can't wait to kiss their little fingers n toes!! And guess what ya'll...I have been asked to plan all three showers!!! I am so flattered and excited...it's gon' be so memorable. So pray for healthy babies...I am.

Check up on it!
Let me tell you what ya'll need to check up on....
Beyonce's new song and video "Check on it"
http://music.yahoo.com/promos/premieres/
As soon as I heard the song I sent an email to my croonies like...listen to this hotness...lmbo @ hottness. Then I saw the video and once again I have another reason to be absolutely enamored with my girl B.Carter, Mama B, Beju...whateva u wanna call her...that's my girl. She inspires me to get my stuff str8.(I was almost gon' tell you way too much personal information...whew, glad I caught myself) Trina's thinkin..."Oh god Chan" And Ivan lemme tell you..remember that dance I told u I was choregraphing??? Look at the video, girlfriend is helping a sista out. hehehe Ne way she is doing the dag on thing...hate if you want...but in the back of your mind you thinking...Dang Beyonce is fly...lol
btw, if you didn't know yahoo launchcast was tha bomb...you betta ask somebody!

FIVE BELOW
Listen here...and listen good. I might be late...but if you have a five below in your vicinity..... RUN to it! I walked in the store today...and I'm not sure what my face looked like, but the store associate quickly said to me, "Is this your first time here?"...all I could say was "mmhmm" Hehehe. Everything in the store is $5 or below (hence the name) and they have a bunch of fun stuff in there. Today I bought 39 items....wonder how many items I'ma buy next week.

Alrite lemme go...I got more to talk to ya'll about later. I hope you are enjoying tha season!