A couple weeks ago my Pastor (Pasta if your COGIC) was preaching on the roles and responsibilities of the man and the woman in relationships. In this message the word that left everyone praisin' like the Pasta (its takin' over) was giving away money (stay tuned) was the word INITIATE. I am a fan of this word. The context of this word was that it is the man's responsibility to "INITIATE" relationship with the woman...not the other way around. This much is true.
However, there is in fact a right way and a wrong way to INITIATE. The word initiate means "to begin". Lets break that down...be-gin. This word does not mean be-immoral...be-a playa...be-in sin...or Kelley's personal favorite be-a hoe.
Which brings me to my two words of the day...BE HOLY...Be Holy...Be e e e Ho lay.
Back in the day when I was a "Lil Jon Jon" I was often forced to watch "Little House on the Prairie" while my mom folded laundry and my dad braided hair. If a guy wanted to INITIATE relationship on the "Prairie" that meant walking over to the girl's house, asking her father if he could walk her to church on sunday, and maybe stopping by the soda shop on the way back. However, these days in our fallen culture Hollywood paints us a completely deranged vision of what this means.
When I look at these "chick flicks" I am utterly amazing that a woman would like them. INITIATION is portrayed as leaving your fiance for the wedding planner, leaving your fiance for a highschool fling, or leaving your WIFE for a cowboy (I know the last one isn't a "chick flick" but I couldn't resist). Does anyone think about what is feels like to be the crapped on fiance? Why would you ever want a man who would leave a woman whom at one point in time he loved enough to drop some cash for a ring for a wedding planner? You wouldn't.
I know that some of you are probably thinking, "this is not the Little House on the Prairie, this is the 21century." However, I dare say that I wouldn't mind seeing some of the valor and respect of the Prairie embraced more in the 21century. I mean after a little cherry phosphate at the soda shop you don't have to worry about emotional scars, STD's, or pregnancy. If you don't like the person you just don't walk her to church anymore.
Hey Ladies...If a man doesn't have the guts to openly pursue you before God and man in holiness and purity he doesn't deserve to. This will weed out all those jokers who would hind behind flirtatous looks and text messages. If he doesn't have the courage to speak to your father (spiritual or natural) making his intentions clear then he doesn't deserve you. This will weed out those cats who love to do all the things that a couple does but not actually acknowledge them or commit...he likes to use phrases like "technicaly" and "kinda". And lastly, if he doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to guard your heart and your purity as his sister and a daughter of God then...hmmm...I'm not even gonna go there.
Hey Fellas...Don't be afraid to be Holy. Sometimes we can be so imbalance. If we can't just do whatever, however, whenever we won't do anything. That's rubbish. Now I know that due to the ungodly epidemic of fatherlessness there is a lack of demonstrators of how to "be holy". But like taxes, just cause daddy didn't teach you the right way doesn't mean you don't have to pay (believe me...this one rocked my world). Be a man and ask a man. How do you want some guy treating your wife? Do you want him passing soul ties, emotional wounds, and bodily fluids that you are going to have to deal with one day in marriage counseling or at the doctor? Think about it...but don't run away. It is so worth it to stand before God, girl, and friends with a pure heart and a clean conscience.
I close with this. To "BE HOLY" does not mean "do nothing." Being Holy is a living and active lifestyle that blesses all of our relationships and honors God. We should all be striving to cultivate an environment where men can open their eyes when they walk without being visually assulted (in church and out) by their sisters...as well as a place were woman can allow the beauty of God to shine without being afraid that every guy in the room is waiting to defraud or defile her. Godly relationships should be birthed out of purity and respect not out of a lack of clothing or "game".
I would love to hear your opinions about this subject. If you don't watch the video you are seriously missin' out. SHALOM.
"I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy."
Leviticus 11:44
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BE HOLY!!!