This spoken word is all about perspective and grace. We as human beings are highly esteemed by God, and marveled over by angels. We can also become discouraged by circumstances and sell ourselves short, taking on the identity of our situations instead of our adoption. In this spoken word I try to set some perspective by referencing some of the hills and valleys of Frederick Douglass. Then I consider the statistical miracle that you are. This concludes with a call to come to the throne of grace, where we find Christ interceding and waiting to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4 verse 16). I point out that Jesus had days we would not consider worthy of the 'gram. He was betrayed and unfollowed. He was misunderstood and rejected. People wanted to use Him for their own selfish gains. He understands. And He invites us to be in relationship with Him at all times, in our hills and our valleys. It's not about perfection, it's about connection.
Of Lions and of Fear… and that one time I was in a lions’ den.
In Laments in Midlothian, I tried to cover some of the factors that contribute to the systemic and disproportionate abuse of black American citizens at the hands of law enforcement. The writing was birthed from observing the pain of loved ones of the deceased, and shifted focus to the spiritual wickedness in high places that rejoices in that pain, and provisions for its occasion. The poems of that series introduced some concepts that I will delve into deeper. This is part one of that commentary.
Reckless Love Spoken Word (audio upload)
Here is the audio from the church service where for the spoken word text in the previous post were part of service. There are clips with the two spoken word excerpts and one full clip of the worship set the spoken word was a part of.
Reckless Love (Spoken Word Text)
Part I Of course we would see it in our superhero and adventure movies it's the stuff of legend it's the stuff of the epic Jesus looked out over the city the City of Creation saw the villain in the wings making its move to attack saw us in the danger zone saw us under... Continue Reading →
Wood, Gold, Water, Toes (Audio Upload)
In my previous post I shared the words to a poem that came to me during our New Year’s service with my church family. I read the poem at church the following Sunday. I will often record the worship portions of service, because our worship team is awesome, and open to the moving of the... Continue Reading →
Wood, Gold, Water, Toes
The following poem was written at the amazing New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day worship service we had at the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019 with my church family. It was inspired by (and also confirmed) the fellowship and worship and words and scriptures shared during our time together. It was also... Continue Reading →
Laments in Midlothian Commentary Foreword
(begin Laments in Midlothian series with part I of V here) . (begin Laments in Midlothian series with part I of V here. The following is an intro to a commentary I plan on writing for the series of poems linked above) A kind of essay, of Midlothian, and Saint Lucia’s son, and St Lucie’s... Continue Reading →
Laments in Midlothian (IV of V)
For Midlothian, A rejoicing. (begin Laments in Midlothian series with part I of V here) - A rejoicing was heard in Midlothian, But its revels were spiritual in kind, The prince of the city opined w/ no pity ---------- -this victory surely is fine. - There was a man of great stature, that once Stood... Continue Reading →
Money Talks Intro: This is How You Advance Peace
The weekend of February 2nd through the 4th was the third official Ceasefire weekend here in Baltimore. Ceasefire is a grassroots initiative designed to promote peace, celebrate life, and remember those who have lost loved ones to violence in the city. During this Ceasefire there were discussions on the root causes of Baltimore’s violence, screenings... Continue Reading →
What God Feels Like
Kendrick Lamar supposes “what God feel like” on the song “GOD.” from the album Damn., one of the biggest albums of 2017. When the album was released back in April (on good Friday no less), this was one of the songs I listened to again and again and again.