Do you pass by the homeless?

There have been so many scandalous people who have been exposed for fraudulently posing as the homeless and destitute. Lies have unfolded on camera as individuals are followed for days and then confronted to ask them why they are lying and begging for money.

In this YouTube clip, this woman has been followed by a reporter from simplyshowbiz.com and exposed for posing day after day as a handicapped homeless woman in New York City on 5th Avenue where the wealthy shop in stores such as Gucci and Prada. She made this her "work" day and lived her normal life when she was not begging. Unfortunately there are many stories like this one but how many people who really do need help are being judged and dismissed because we are afraid that they are pulling a scam? 

Here a few representatives from Give Back Films interviews real homeless people to get their story on how they became homeless. Every homeless person doesn't have to "look" like they're  homeless. Everyone doesn't have on tattered clothes or live in a cardboard box. Many people live in shelters where clothing are donated to them which may include name brand items, some just do their best to keep themselves up because they don't want the embarrassment of being stereotyped and judged by others. Some people live in their cars with a few belongings and others beg other civilians for change until they have gathered enough to feed themselves and their child that has been sleeping under a bridge. Whatever the situation, the bible says that we will always have the poor with us (Mark 14:7, Deuteronomy 15:11). 

We cannot stand and judge whether or not someone is really homeless and pass them by. Only God knows the heart of every man and only He can judge them. He has commanded that we take care of the poor (Matthew 25:31-46). Who knows whether or not one day we ourselves may end up in the same predicament? We do not want to pass by someone who may be in need and ignore them because when we are in need God just may pass us by and ignore us!

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The Evolution of Gospel Music: Traditional vs. Inspirational

     Traditional gospel music has laid a firm foundation for many people in the church. The blues-like sounds of the old songs that got many through tough times set a standard for this genre of music that cannot be duplicated. Singers such as Mahalia Jackson and The Mighty Clouds of Joy brought in a soulful sound through their music that resonated in the hearts of whomever was listening. As the sound of gospel evolved, singers such as Richard Smallwood, Andrae Crouch and many more brought a new sound to this heartfelt music. The traditional blues feel of gospel music was gradually being replaced by a foot stomping and hand clapping more contemporary sound.

     As more choirs were being formed in the churches they seemed to grow larger and larger to the point where it seemed as though it became the new standard of "the larger the choir the better the sound". Gospel music was evolving yet again. John P. Kee, Hezekiah Walker and many more set a new standard for gospel music and gospel choirs with a fresh innovative sound. Now as choirs are being replaced with smaller groups the church likes to call "praise teams" many gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin, James Fortune, and Tye Tribbett are performing with smaller groups and therefore the sound has changed yet again.

   
     Not only do we now have a whole new sound to gospel music but we also have a new genre title to put it under, "Inspirational Music". It seems as though this new genre was created to give a category to artists who don't necessarily want their music to be stuck under the umbrella and/or barriers of gospel music. It gives them the ability to still be able to produce uplifting music but without the stigma of being marked as only producing religious music. I call it the cross over. Generally music that doesn't mention Jesus in it or directly say who they are singing about can fall under this category.

     Artists such as BeBe & CeCe Winans produced music such as this for years with songs such as "I'll Take You There". Many R&B artists also produce "Inspirational Music" such as Jill Scott's Golden and Ledisi's Alright. Gospel music has truly evolved many times over but the question is, where does it stand now?

We Need the Arts in Our Schools!

Music, dance, drama...all of these different forms of expressive arts are what helps round an individual. They tap into the imagination and the creative side and give you an outlet for fear, anger, peace, happiness and many other emotions. The arts are what keep many people going, some from going insane. When a person finds their niche and is able to cultivate and develop their craft it makes them feel liberated when they have the opportunity to say, "I did this" or "I can do this and I'm good at it". It provides a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth when someone is able to display their talent or reach down on the inside of themselves to pull out a talent they never knew they had and show it to the world or at least to a group of non-judgmental parents, staff and their peers.

For many young people the opening curtain to the debut of their talent is on the pulpit of their home church, but for others school is where they may have the only chance to get their start. For a child to be selected in a school play or learn how to play an instrument they would have never picked up had it not been offered to them in music class at school opens up a world that they may not have otherwise been connected to. It gives each child more options for their future and helps them to develop socially, emotionally and best of all creatively.

Why are the arts being taken out of our schools? Some say budget cuts are the culprit while others believe that some school boards just don't believe it is necessary. Well I beg to differ. Some of our children are expected to live up to certain standards academically while maintaining excellent behavior but no one is giving them an outlet to channel themselves emotionally. Because art is a self expression it becomes unique when the author creates it. Therefore it gives a sense of authentication that no one can take away from you. While many children are performing well academically they may be suffering inside waiting in anticipation for a chance to do something new and inspiring. It's how many of us come up with our latest inventions or songs or those expensive art pieces. It's one of the ways we make history.

If we allow the arts to become extinct in our schools we run the risk of our children feeling dried out and undetermined with little to look forward to because no one is taking the time to help them learn themselves and be themselves.We must fight in order to keep the arts alive in our youth and for some parents, keeping it in the schools is the only way they can afford to allow their child to flourish in their element. Keep The Arts ALIVE!

Fathers and Sons

Every boy needs his father. That's a given. How many times have we heard the stories about how a male creates a child and leaves or never bothers to acknowledge that child to begin with. Sadly this is a commonality in our society. There are little boys and young men across the globe who suffer daily because they feel hurt and rejected by the person who was partially responsible for bringing them into this world and abandoning them or not caring enough to give them what they need and what they deserve...the chance to learn how to become a man with guidance and wisdom and a positive role model to pattern themselves after.

Now I am not a man but I do understand to a certain extent the need for a father to be in a boy's life. Many boys tend to hold in fear, hurt and pain. When they do this it can transform into anger and in turn the need to release that anger results in them feeling the need to act out. An angry boy usually is a boy who is really hurting inside. Many times a boy with behavioral issues whose father is absent in their lives is a boy who doesn't know how to channel or express their feelings. No matter how much he is encouraged to do well or told that he is loved by other family members, there may always be that void that only his biological father can fill and he may always carry that question of "Why doesn't my father love me?"

With teenagers having babies it  makes it more difficult to expect positive role models to emerge out of the next generations. Without yet having the experience of what it truly means to be a man themselves, teenage fathers are lost when it comes to parenting with wisdom from experience. How can anyone lead another to a place they have not yet found themselves? That is not to say that all young fathers are incapable of effectively fathering their child. However far too many have given up, walked away, disregarded their responsibility or just don't know how to be a father.

I believe we are all looking for men who are fathers to gain a new mindset. Stop running from responsibility. Stop making excuses. Stop lying to these young boys, giving them false hope and creating disappointments that cause them to be crippled in future relationships. Above all, stop making babies  you are not willing to take care of. For those who will we need men who are willing to fill in the gaps. Good, positive, supportive step-fathers, uncles, brothers, etc. who will vow to become a mentor to a young man and teach them how to become a God-fearing, law-abiding, well-educated man. We can do it, together.

Fathers and Daughters

Daddy's Little Girl...a term of endearment from a daughter to a loving father or from a father to his princess. Every little girl needs her father. She needs a strong man who will love her unconditionally and show her how a male should love her righteously. A good father can help his daughter understand her worth and teach her how to respect herself and demand that other men respect her as well. Girls need love. We are emotional creatures most of whom are pretty clingy at times simply because we need to feel that love that we long for all the time. A nurturing loving mother and father are vital relationships  needed in order for a young lady to have healthy development emotionally and sometimes mentally in her life.

What is the difference in most cases for a young lady who grew up without a father as opposed to the young lady who grew up without her father? Well it varies. A good nurturing mother is a key component as well. However a young lady who grows up without a father is more likely to reach out to other males for that time, attention and love that she desires and has every right to get from her father. Searching for that male who will be her protector, her security (financially and physically), amongst other things leads her to compromise good judgement and her self worth to get what she desires, even if the man or boy she is confiding in is not treating her right.

A male can sense a vulnerable girl a mile away. So an unrighteous boy or man will take advantage of her being naive or vulnerable because she makes it too easy for him. A young lady with a good father in her life has a man who will protect her in every capacity not just physically. He will do everything in his power to shield her from dangers especially those associated with boys or men who will take advantage of her. He knows that having been a boy once before himself, he can effectively warn her about the deception she may encounter and therefore she will be equipped to protect herself when her father is not around.

Our men must step up and step into our daughter's lives. Help them understand that they are loved and should carry themselves with respect. Men warn your daughters that if they go out of the house in that short skirt or revealing dress that they may attract the wrong attention and it could result in rape or death. Tell your daughter that you love her, besides you will be the first man that she ever loves so make it count.

Is Marriage Sacred Anymore?

"I HATE YOU!" "I WANT A DIVORCE!" Whoo these are some harsh words to hear from your husband or wife. Unfortunately it is also a harsh realty that plagues many homes in America. So many people are jumping the broom without really thinking about their decision and everything that comes along with it. So your first few months to a year of dating went well and you're just so in love right? Let's face it, there are many who can say they have even lived together with their mate (tell the truth). But when the wedding ceremony is over, the last gift has been opened and the plane lands after the honeymoon...then your new life begins.

The problem is that many people are not in touch with themselves. They don't have a sense of who they are and are not satisfied with their own foundation and therefore cannot provide a solid foundation when they come together in matrimony. You have to be able to bring something to the table, love, respect, submission, honor, trust and the list goes on. If you cannot love, honor and respect yourself how can you give these things to someone else? Frustrations will definitely rise in any relationship be it a friendship, courtship, or marriage. It's not about the problem, it's how you deal with the problem that will determine the outcome.

So when times get rough, do you just throw in the towel? What happened to for better or for worst? You may feel like the pain will never end but the Lord said He will never put more on you than you can bear. If you're going through it, it must be assigned to you so that you can help someone else in the end and to make you stronger. Now God never intended for anyone to be abused but disagreements, battles with pride and power trips are definitely not on God's list for the thumbs up regarding divorce. It may be necessary for you to consider marital counseling. So the question is, did you marry for the right reasons? Is love enough? If your marriage is sacred to you and you really want it to work, what are you willing to do to see it through? Just a thought to make you think. Peace.

When Rated PG Goes Too Far

PG (Parental Guidance) from pushy parents can bring strife for young talents. Lets say your child has a talent for dancing, they can play songs on the piano by ear, or that picture under the refrigerator magnet is a masterpiece. In any case, you want to make the sacrifice and pay for lessons to enhance their talents. Before you do this, remember there are a few things that you must first consider.

Children go through different phases in life. One minute they are excited and motivated to do one thing and the next minute they have totally lost interest and have moved on to the next thing. This is all apart of the process of them gaining experiences that will help them understand who they are, what they like and who they want to become. While they go through these changes it is important for parents to be understanding but firm in helping their children understand the disadvantage to quitting.

Being an understanding parent includes sensitivity to the fact that they are still children and like to do all of the things that children do. Whether their past time is talking on the phone, perusing on facebook, playing with toys, or simply hanging out with friends, kids just want to have fun. Parents must also be sure that the investment you are making for your child's talent is for their best interest and not your own. Unfortunately, many parents feel as though they have missed their opportunity to live out their dreams and talents and tend to live vicariously through their children thus forcing them to do something that they really don't want to do. This can seriously damage your relationship with your child. Let your child develop with your guidance and encouragement not your insistence. Don't invest in an expensive instrument until you know your child is really interested.

Those dance lessons don't have to cost the same as your monthly phone bill. Shop around to the different music and dance schools for the best price and reputation. Parents take your time with this project.Yes this is a project with you and your child and it takes communication, planning, and patience to help your child to develop. PG (Parental Guidance) doesn't have to go too far. Be supportive, be encouraging and most of all, help your child be the best that they can be!