Where are the real MEN???

As I get older and wiser, I'm becoming more and more passionate about kids growing up to be their best (what God intends them to be) and OUR role as adults in their lives. This role can be parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, godparents, neighbors, teachers, and the list could go on and on. I believe we ALL have a responsibility to train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). And while we are not perfect (we have all made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes because we are human), I believe we should use those experiences to positively impact those individuals (especially children) we come in contact with it.

Now here are 3 reasons why this message preached by Pastor Jamal Bryant titled "Somebody...Do Something!" about the senseless slaying of Derrion Albert resonates with me.*It's the 2nd video on the page; look for the title.


1) I believe: Boys are shaped into Men and the shaping/influence they receive growing up plays a MAJOR factor as to what kind of man they become. Will they be the thug who robs the innocent or will they be the strong man that heads his household, cherishes his wife, and attends all his children's conferences and ceremonies?

2) I believe: If we can increase the number of strong men/fathers, we will see a decline in the amount of ignorant and senseless deficiencies we see every day in our community.

3) I believe: While its harder to change the ways of a man (though it is possible), it is much easier to start while they are young.

So in conclusion, somebody has to do something and that somebody has to start with us! I hope you got something positive out of this....

*Fyi-  I'm not picking on the men! I also have strong thoughts on Girls becoming Women. I believe women have their own EXTREMELY important role in family and society, but I personally believe that it starts with the man. I believe the man is the head of the household, the woman is the neck (hence the man can't stand strong without her to support him) and once those two areas are solid, everything underneath has a stronger fighting chance at facing all of the obstacles and challenges in life. *Disclaimer- I am not saying every man has to have a wife and vice versa to have a thriving family, but I do believe it is the ideal situation for countless reasons.  I'm sure some may disagree, but these are MY beliefs; feel free to share your thoughts on either of the topics.

If you haven't done so already, please watch the movie COURAGEOUS. It is an AMAZZZZZZZZZZZZING movie!!!

Remember... if you don't STAND for something, you'll fall for anything!

~ Creatively Analytic ~
How will they know you were here?

Today's inspirational thought:  The Happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. -  Marcus Aurelius 

Being Spiritual vs. Being Religious

I’ve been disturbed by this very topic for some time and I’m noticing an increasing  disconnect in our society. You'll see why in a sec...

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Am I spiritual or religious? I’ve heard both terms used and can’t side with either one. From what I've gathered and can discern (thank you Lord), being "spiritual" has the characteristics of someone that is religious (praying, acknowledging God, etc.), but their lives are primarily self-focused. I get lost here because I don't believe I can do any and everything I feel, or don't feel like doing for that matter. There has to be some boundaries and those boundaries (for me) come from the bible. Why? Because I believe the bible is the instruction manual for life. While I may fall short at times, ...how about we just save that for a different post... :-)

Then on the “religious” side, these people follow a set of rules and obligations to the T, but outside of that they lack spiritual characteristics (ex: faith, good will, etc.). So exactly how does that work? What is the point of following a religious protocol or structure only to live a miserable and defeated life? Seems like a waste...

In my search for an answer I found the comment below online (Posted by: kevlocks aka Karl Logan) and had to share. This response pretty much sums it up and the first sentence answers my original question. If you notice, this comment didn't come from an official site on religion or anything close. Just goes to show that you can contribute and make a difference almost anywhere.

Let's see where this goes. "Spiritual, not religious" is a common phrase among people who may have a belief in God or a higher power; who see the importance of meditation; or just feel the power of nature, but who don't see any benefits to organized religion. There is distrust on both sides of the spiritual versus religious issue. Religious people think those who call themselves spiritual are somehow false, weak or unable to commit to their beliefs.

On the other hand, spiritual people are interested in a personal experience of the spirit, and they find that the rules, regulations and rituals of organized religion don't do anything for their own spiritual experience.

As I've gotten older, my opinion is that religion and spirituality are better together than either one is alone. Religion can give you a community and a well-considered path to help you along your spiritual journey. However, if religion is lacking in individual spiritual experience, it can become just a mindless habit and be devoid of any true meaning.

So what are your thoughts?

Remember... if you don't STAND for something, you'll fall for anything!

~ Creatively Analytic ~
How will they know you were here?

 Today's inspirational thought: You’ll miss 100% of shots you never take.
 -Wayne Gretzky