Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 36
Sign: Gemini
City: LONG BEACH
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 5/14/2005
|
|
|
|
Friday, September 18, 2009
|
Current mood:  triumphant
Category: Life
Fuel for Faith!
An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope
for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1. Since I was a child faith has always been important to
me. The only thing that is greater
than faith is love, which is utmost essential to my life. “And now these three
remain: faith, hope and love. But
the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13.
In the past months I have endured tests of my faith, but God is always
there to make sure I pass with excellence. I have experienced professional loss that caused anger/hurt
because I know what was taken from me was done out of bias and deceit, but
where the devil closes one door, God will open two to take its place. I know God never allows more of a
burden upon me than I can bear.
Burdens often give my faith a spiritual workout, which makes me
stronger, wiser and perseverant. I
am a child of El Shaddai (God Almighty), so I know the battle is already won
before I even step on the battlefield with my sword and shield of faith. “The Lord has rescued
you… He protects you like a shield and is your majestic sword. Your enemies will bow in fear, and you
will trample on their backs.”
Deuteronomy 33:29.
My pastor spoke a word of encouragement to me through a
sermon in church last Sunday when he expressed how we should allow our anger to
be the fuel of our faith.
Sometimes we need to get angry for a moment to step out of our comfort
zone because anger sends a message that something has happened that is simply
not right. When action (faith)
replaces anger we then place ourselves on the path to correct what has been
wronged. Anger often subdued my
passiveness to provoke change. It
is never good to be angry for too long because it is a tool that can be very
destructive to the holder if not used properly with promptness. Jesus will take away the anger/hurt and
replace it with peace. The devil might
think he is winning the race with all the transgressions committed upon a child of God,
but the race of life is one of endurance and good will always conquer evil. “I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2
Timothy 4:7.
As a teacher I have to be a man of faith because I have to endure
the daily difficulties that come with the job while looking positively towards
the future for my students’ success.
God has blessed me to evolve more each year into an educator of
excellence. I aim not only to
teach my students about academics, but I strive to teach them about life. The greatest teachers often taught about
life like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, but the greatest teacher in the form of Jesus
Christ taught about life and love.
I love teaching/learning about life. I have a passionate purpose for teaching because it gives me the
opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of someone else. I am a tireless teacher who can teach
five English classes and then go coach the Cross Country or Track
& Field team. I have never
missed a day of work in my teaching career because I value the opportunity God
has given me to be like Jesus Christ whose foremost title was that of Teacher.
All of my life I have considered myself a writer and a
runner. I love being a teacher
because it allows me to share my passion for writing with others, and I love
coaching because it allows me to share my passion for running with others. Since I have become a coach I have come
across students I have not seen in years since they left my classroom as
freshmen. I had a former student
call out to me on the track today who I hardly recognized because he had not
only grown physically but in maturity as well. He was a seventeen-year-old senior who was nothing like I
had remembered him as a freshman.
I was proud of who he had become, and he made sure to ask about my
teaching whether or not I was going to make a lifelong career out of it. I told him I did not plan on being in
the classroom for long, but I still plan to be an educator because the world is
filled with people who need to be educated. My goal is to make the world my classroom because it has
been prophesied unto me that I will someday preach/teach to the world. “Not only was the
Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in
order many proverbs. The Teacher
searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and
true.” Ecclesiastes 12:9-10.
I had the opportunity to learn from an amazing teacher while
I was in graduate school earning my MA degree years ago named Erin Gruwell who
is the subject of The Freedom Writers’ Diary
books and film. I took her course
at CSULB where she was a first year professor after leaving her career as a
high school teacher. Now she is teaching the world with her foundation and
books, which is something I plan to do as well. She is a teacher who teaches with the heart, so she reminds
me of myself because I always teach with my heart. God has blessed me with a
good heart, and no matter what man may do to me I will keep it because nothing
can extinguish the light of love that burns as a fire of faith.
When students know you care about them not only academically,
but also about their well-being they are more likely to learn because mutual respect
and trust are reciprocally developed.
Last week I had a student who I last remembered as a freshman who was
the most arduous student I had the year I taught her with her sarcasm and
constant outbursts to approach me and apologize for her behavior. I was almost speechless with
appreciation not only because of the maturity she showed as an upperclassman,
but also because of the respect and humbleness she exuded in my presence. She made an effort to make amends for
her behavior, and it left me with more tolerance for any present and future
troublesome student because I know no one is without hope. The Fruit of the
Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control) will always be the fuel for my faith!
God is Love!
 | Currently listening:
The Big Picture
By Da' T.R.U.T.H.
Release date: 2009-07-21 |
|
Powered by  | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 08, 2009
|
Current mood:  hopeful
Category: Life
An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie
I first heard the phrase “The Audacity of Hope” back in 2004 when I was mesmerized by an Illinois state senator named Barack Obama who was given an unlikely role as keynote speaker at the Democratic convention for John Kerry. After I heard his speech I was infused with inspiration to hold dear the attribute of “hope”. Who would have dared dream that this same man would rise from a state senate role to that of President of the United States only four years later? God works in amazing and mysterious ways, and Barack Obama’s speech titled “The Audacity of Hope” given back in 2004 was the substance that set him on the path to become the first African-American president of our country. Before Barack Obama there was another man with similar circumstances who instilled the importance of “hope” in my life, and that was former NBA all-star Kevin Johnson who played for the Phoenix Suns, who like Barack Obama also made history in 2008 by becoming the first African-American mayor of the city of Sacramento (California’s capital). Kevin Johnson was the first great male role model in my life, and he personally encouraged me to have “hope” since I was 15 years old when our communication began. Audacity means to have a boldness or daring for confident disregard for conventional thought/restrictions. Hope means to have a feeling that what is desired can be had or everything will work out for the best. It is obvious both Barack Obama and Kevin Johnson had the audacity to hope that they would make history with their faith, hard work and perseverance to change other people’s lives for the better. In Obama’s 2004 speech he spoke about the African-Americans who built this country as well as those who came to this country for a better life: “It’s the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores.” Furthermore, he spoke about the hope of having Kerry/Edwards being a better alternative than Bush/Cheney, but God had ordained Obama, and he was destined to be the “hope, progress and change” our country needed as he expressed in that same speech: “Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead.”
Barack Obama’s presidential campaign concentrated on these three words: “Hope”, “Progress” and “Change”! Beyond the political campaign these loaded words meant so much more than what the posters, buttons and commercials conveyed. These words were spiritual words that had great meaning within the pages of the Holy Bible. They were small seeds of faith that would move mountains. As a young Christian he heard a sermon by his then pastor the Reverend Jeremiah Wright titled “The Audacity of Hope”, which is something you would discover while reading his first novel Dreams from My Father, which was written after he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Reverend Wright had his faults as the nation has seen, but one could understand why Barack could not easily turn his back on him, because it was from him Obama heard the sermon with the words that would change America. I have a deep admiration for President Obama not only for his intellect, but because of his faith. It is like having admiration for scientists who are devout Christians. With all the theories out there they can try to dispute the Bible and God’s existence, but instead they embrace their faith and find truth to why we are all here upon Earth with the guidance of God. When I cast my vote for Obama I felt a sense of pride that I had not felt before with my right to vote, and it instilled in me the importance of the sacrifice people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others made to make sure everyone had the right to vote. I watched at home as the presidential election results came in, and it gave me pride when California was the state that clinched it for Obama. I truly was proud to be an American, especially since my ancestors (African-Americans) were not only the people who built this country from the ground up, but my ancestors (Native Americans) were also the first Americans. Millions turned out for President Obama’s inauguration in our nation’s capital, and he despite becoming the most powerful person in the world, did not forget the faith, the hope, and the love for God that brought him there. “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord,” President Barack Obama said in his inauguration speech. “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”
Hope came to mind when President Obama spoke of setting aside childish things. He was citing scripture from perhaps my favorite passage in the Bible 1 Corinthians 13:11-13: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”. I read this passage daily in the morning, because not only does it symbolize what I believe in, but my mother told me it is what God endowed upon her about me when I was in her womb as a faith, hope and charity (love) child. I am a man of faith, hope and charity (love)! Our nation is going through a recession caused by a famine upon the land for the past eight years, but now with hope we have a chance for a feast if we keep our faith. It saddens me when I see thousands of people losing their jobs, losing their homes and losing their hope for a better tomorrow, because of the circumstances they face today. It is often darkest before the dawn; just as America had to have one of the worst presidents before they could have one of their best in President Obama. God will never allow more a burden than we can bear. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31. You have to put your hope in the Lord, because it will be your strength. It may be raining, but the sunshine will come again with a sky that is brighter than the day before with air fresh from the cleansing of the water. Our country needs a cleansing, so we can realize what is important. It is not about the luxuries we have in materials things, or about the jobs we hold as if they are idols to be worshiped. It is about our faith, our hope and our love we have for God, ourselves and each other. If you cannot buy someone a gift, because the funds are low, then make them a gift from the heart, which will become priceless. Sometimes when I was at my lowest whether it be financially or spiritually, God always had a big blessing waiting around the corner. My trials were simply a test of faith. God is testing America, because much is expected from us since we are the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. We are proudly a Christian country from our “Pledge of Allegiance” to the credo “In God We Trust” on our currency. Like Job, we must endure through the hardships, because bountiful blessings are around the corner. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:1-5.
Progress is a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage. President Obama promoted progress, because America could only go higher from her present circumstances. My hope is that over the next eight years with President Obama as our hopeful leader that America progresses into the potential to become truly a prosperous nation again where people can actually afford homes and have gainful employment. As a teacher one of the main things I look for in my students is their progress. I do not expect for them to be the same students in June as they were in August when I first met them. I want them to be “dynamic characters” in that they have changed with progress from who they were in the beginning. Some people like to play it safe by being stagnant, but I am someone who believes in stepping out on faith, which takes a degree of risk of failure. As a teacher I evolve (progress) into a better teacher each year, and I learn a lot more about life. Often when something negative happens at school I look for the silver lining with hope, because I know God is always present by guiding me in the right direction. When people place hurdles (obstacles) in front of me I look at them as opportunities to overcome while gaining strength and endurance in my goal to become victorious in the race (journey) called life. I believe as soon as you are twelve years old you are responsible for your salvation and walk with God. It disheartens me when I see young people who are caught up in the destructive addictions of premarital sex, drugs/alcohol use and academic apathy not realizing how it will affect their future while preventing them from progressing into what is best for them. Jesus Christ was always at the center of my life as a youth by being the steering wheel that guided me in the right direction, and never the spare tire in which I only turned to in time of despair. Just because someone is young does not give them an excuse for being outside the will of God. “Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:11-15.
Change is what comes after the progress that emanates from hope. Change is inevitable in life, but growth in optional. America must change from the present circumstances because hard working people should not lose their jobs, which leads to many negative consequences. Likewise, with a leader like President Obama who was once poor and still is a minority bound to discrimination no matter how powerful he becomes, Barack will usher in programs and laws that will change our country for the better benefiting all, and not just the rich or majority. It might get worse before it gets better, but it will be worth the end result. Whenever I deal with “change” whether if it is positive or negative, I strive to grow from the experience. I choose to be an optimist instead of a pessimist. Life will never be simply about sunshine and joy, but it will also be complemented with rain and pain. In the cycle of life, like a flower, we need both sunshine (joy) and rain (pain) to change (reach our potential with growth). Those who are afraid of change, because it might lead to the unknown are bound to stand stagnant with life passing them by. If we are on the wrong road of life leading to our destruction then we must not be afraid to change our direction onto the right path. To have hope is to be audacious to believe in what has not been achieved, but true hope is also complemented with humbleness knowing that Jesus Christ (the greatest man to ever live) was born in poverty and placed in a manger. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4. I admire President Obama’s and Mayor Johnson’s humbleness, because they will never forget where they came from while helping those who are disadvantaged like they were.
I wrote Kevin Johnson a letter when I was 15 years old and it resulted in a reciprocal communication that lasted for many years. He ended his first letter to me with words I would always abide by: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. He gave me my first academic scholarships while a student at USC (with more money than my own father ever gave me), and always remained a role model as a man of God and a man who believed in the importance of having hope in life. His St. Hope organization created schools, businesses, and charities that help many people. He would sign each letter with the words “Hope” and his jersey number “7”, which is truly a spiritual number. After his NBA success he did not settle for just helping himself, but he operated in agape love by helping others. Like Obama he was born to African-American and white parents in poverty to be raised by a single mother and grandparents. I too know what it is like to be raised by a single mother in poverty, but God is a God of “hope, progress and change”! Barack Obama provided inspiration for him to seek office as mayor, because they both embraced the campaign slogans of “CHANGE” and “HOPE” while instilling in the public that “WE CAN” be the difference in the world we want to see. I loved sharing my poems with Kevin, and to no surprise he also was an admirer of the great writer Langston Hughes (who is my foremost literary inspiration). Mayor Johnson used Hughes’ poem “Dream of Freedom” to highlight his mayoral inauguration speech where he spoke about “change” and how a dream, like Dr. King’s “dream” in his “I Have a Dream" speech, must be the collective effort of everyone to bring into realization: “This is the start of a new day. The day when the word ‘change’ ceases to be a campaign slogan and starts to become a reality. This is no mean feat. Change is an easy word to say. But it’s a difficult word to enact. Together we can bring about the change that this city and its citizens so rightfully deserve. I am ready. And I know you are too. And that’s what it’s going to take. An incredible public will amongst the citizens of this city. People working together not just for their own benefit but for the good of the whole city. Langston Hughes once wrote, ‘There’s a dream in this land with its back against the wall. To save the dream for one we must save the dream for all.’” Kevin Johnson played in the NBA for twelve years breaking multiple records for scoring and assists. He gave me a big assist in my life by showing me how important having “hope” was in realizing your dreams as a young man. Some might ask why I am such a hopeful, caring and charitable teacher; it is because I was influenced by great people like Kevin Johnson. You do not have to be Jesus Christ to change the world, but you can do it one person at a time as a regular person with Christian values/virtues.
“But respect Christ as the holy Lord of our hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have.” 1 Peter 3:15. I have the audacity of hope to believe that God is using me as an instrument of His praise, and I will always be proud of who I am as a Christian! As an African-American man I have a newfound pride in my culture. Throughout generations Black men have been made out to be thugs, underachievers, and irresponsible fathers, but like Barack Obama and Kevin Johnson I am an example of someone who defies those negative stereotypes. Kevin Johnson might have used the vehicle of sports to reach the stage he is known upon, but Barack Obama used his sublime intellect and speech to reach new heights. I believe in the audacity of hope that I too am destined for great things in life that will positively affect many people’s lives. I know as humans we all doubt and can get down in despair when times get tough. I am sure Barack Obama truly wondered if America could get beyond race and prejudices to see that he was the best for the position as President of our country; likewise I am sure Kevin Johnson must have felt the same while running for mayor of the state’s capital. One of the main aspects of Dr. King’s “dream” was for the world to judge a person by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin, and it seems today in our great nation under God that hope (dream) is becoming a reality! In order to have hope, progress and change in our lives we must trust God and live in accordance with the power of the Holy Spirit. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. In President Obama’s inauguration speech he spoke on how General George Washington during the war told the future world that even in the depths of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive that we must endure the storms to come. I thank God that our country’s first President did not give up the battle before it was won, which led to the founding of our great nation; likewise I am joyful that our President today is a man of God, hope, progress and change as stated in the closing words of his inauguration speech: “Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." I was inspired to write my latest poem titled “The Audacity of Hope” because of my hopeful outlook for our future as children of God in America and the world. This poem is dedicated to two people who have inspired my life beyond words, and that is Kevin Johnson the first African-American mayor of the city of Sacramento and Barack Obama the first African-American president of the United States of America!
The Audacity of Hope
A quad-tanka poem by Shazzar Kallie
Hope hatches a flame
of a fledgling of faith born
inside the heart’s nest
of nurture: sustenance sowed
from the soul to live in love.
Our future is known
omnisciently as we rise
from the past with hope
in the present on spread wings
aspiring to soar in flight.
Progress promotes change
aggrandizing horizons
to new realms in truth
fueling the freedom of hope
boldly breaking boundaries.
Epiphanies light
the cauldron of confidence
fearlessly flying
like the phoenix enduring:
the audacity of hope.
© 2009
God is Love!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, November 27, 2008
|
Current mood:  thankful
Category: Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XblF3z-ST0YThis message is truly something to be thankful for! Much respect to President Barack Obama for his hopeful vision for the American family and for also giving "teachers who stay late after school" props. I'm often the last teacher on campus, because of my dedication & strength in making sure my students have a better and brighter future. Thanksgiving Day is definitely a day to give thanks, but we should be thankful daily for so much we simply take for granted. Each morning I wake I thank God for blessing me to see another day, because so many people around the world did not wake up. I thank God for those who are good to me, because they help bring joy to my life, and I thank God for those who treat me badly, because they test my Christian virtues and make me stronger. We have to be thankful for current president George Bush, because if it was not for the negative job he did over the past eight years we would not have a chance for eight years of positive performance with Barack Obama. Think of it as the "famine" (Bush) before the "feast" (Obama). If Al Gore would have won back in 2000 or if John Kerry won in 2004 there would be no President Obama anytime soon. America was forced to put aside prejudices and embrace "CHANGE", because there is a great need for a new direction. I'm thankful for so much, because I'm blessed. I may not be all that I can be or have all that I desire, but I realize I have more than most people can only hope for. Times are tough, but conflict conjures change, and change begets growth. January 20, 2009 (Inauguration Day) will signal a new beginning for our great nation. Give thanks that a New and Brighter Day is yet to Come!
God is Love!
Shazzar Kallie
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 07, 2008
|
Current mood:  optimistic
Category: Life
An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie
I have faith in my future, because I know everything that has happened in the past has been for my good to help me fulfill my destiny. One can look at life as mountains and valleys, which symbolize the highs and lows that come with living. Often when I am in a valley I take time to rest and focus with faith on how I can get to the top of the mountain I see before me. If I find myself back in a valley after being on the mountaintop, I remember what it took to get there, which encourages me to make my way to the peak again. It has not always been easy to walk the path of righteousness, but it has always been worth it. The trials I have experienced in life have led to triumph. We have sunshine that symbolizes the joy in life, but also rain, which represents the pain. Look at a flower that grows in a meadow, it needs both sunshine and rain to reach its potential (to live). Without one or the other it would not survive. I have had my share of joys and pains in my life, and I thank God for them both, because they have helped mold me into the person God means for me to be. God the Potter is by no means finished molding and shaping me into the man He means for me to be, but I know when the work is complete, which transforms me into a work of art, I will be proud to hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21.
I believe everyone hopes for the best in their future, but we should always realize that the future has a past. We would not be who we are in the present or will become in the future without the past we have lived. Growing up I imagined that I would have accomplished so much by now like being famous, being married with children, etc., but God has His time and place for everything. Sometimes we may need a bit more time in the kiln (pottery oven) to shape, dry and fire us into permanent perfection. It reminds me of The Clark Sisters song "Pure Gold". When we are tried in the fire we will come out as pure gold. The fire does not destroy who we are, but makes us stronger and more valuable by transforming our impurities (sin) into something beautiful. Every trial in my life has significance in the process of God molding and making me into who He means for me to be. Growing up I shared what most people would consider an impediment with someone I have grown to truly admire, because of his resilience. His name is James Earl Jones who is considered as someone who has perhaps the most famous voice in the world today. If one examined his past it would be a surprise that he found his voice through his silence. His struggles with his speech made him mute for eight years as a child, and even today he still struggles with his verbal words when not "on stage" in his private life, but through this he faced his fear of the spoken word and conquered it. I too plan on having a future as a great speaker, and I know this future prospective would not be possible without my past. People who achieve "greatness" often come from humble beginnings, which serves has an example that God can use us all to be the best we can be while inspiring others to do the same. "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be." Job 8:7. I sometimes find myself reliving the past by speaking as I did when I was child in moments of uncertainty, but I then remember that Jesus has given me the power to rid myself of the fear that fights my faith that gives me the ability to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Just like James Earl Jones who conquered his fears and controlled his voice to speak to the world, I plan to do the same in the future. "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11.
I turned 35 years old this summer, and I know I have not accomplished half of what God intends for me to achieve in life. In order to realize your goals in life you must have concrete plans, because otherwise you will only end up with abstract dreams, which rarely are fulfilled. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. There were goals I planned to obtain since I was 30 years old that I set a deadline for me to achieve by the age of 35. I am proud to say that I achieved at least two of them recently. The first was to hike and climb to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, and the other was finally to return to my hometown of Houston, Texas after a 28-year absence. Hiking Half Dome allows me to finally say I am truly a national park hiker, because the hike is one of the most extremely strenuous hikes possible in one day. It is a hike that takes endurance, perseverance and even faith. I think it takes a great deal of faith to climb up a side of a granite mountain with cables to go along with the 17 mile roundtrip hike that comes with it. When I finally got to the top of Half Dome I felt a sense of accomplishment, but I realized it simply whet my appetite for more adventures. Two weeks ago I set my feet upon Texas soil for the first time in 28 years, and was blessed to spend nine days in Houston on a journey of self-discovery. I looked forward to experiencing my past, so I could have a better understanding of where I was headed in my future. Going back home to Houston was a life-changing experience, because in order to know where you are going in life you first must know where you have been. I had memories of Houston from when I was seven years old, but they could not compare to actually experiencing being where life began for me again. I even visited the hospital where I was born, which truly was like an epiphany. Before I knew it the nine days had passed, and I wished I had more time to explore the city of Houston, but I can always save those adventures for the future.
I had a wonderful time visiting with family and soaking up Texan culture like eating savory BBQ chicken with all the fixings and drinking delicious watermelon juice (I always asked for refills). I was enlightened by my visits to the National Buffalo Soldiers Museum to learn about the courageous African American men and women who have served our country, and seeing the world's most famous fossil with my own eyes "Lucy" in The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia exhibit at The Houston Museum of Natural Science. Ethiopia is an ancient Christian country filled with treasures from the past, and I know I will visit this land in the future, because it is filled with so much culture, history and spirituality. I even had a chance to visit Lakewood Church to hear Joel Osteen minister in person, which was quite interesting since I'm so use to seeing him on television. While in Houston I visited the Museum of Printing History, which was important to me since I plan on having my writings become a part of history in the future. I had a chance to read actual 300-year-old newspapers that exhibited our nation's history, especially when it came to slavery. I found it quite intriguing to read a page from the book of Daniel from the Gutenberg Bible. I love to read, because from our past we can learn from those who came before us, so we can have a brighter hope at a better tomorrow. "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4.
I had not seen most of my family who lives there in many years including my dad, both grandmothers, uncles, aunts and cousins. Even though I had not been in Houston for 28 years I felt as if I was home. I was not a visitor, but someone who had always belonged and had simply been away for a long while. I hope one day to call both Houston and Southern California my home. Even though my future was meant to be in California, Texas was still an important part of my past, and in essence even though I grew up as a Californian, I always will be a Texan as well. My family on both sides asked me why I had taken so long to come back home, and I simply replied I came back when it was God's will for me to. I plan to visit Houston at least once a year and hope to own a home there one day soon. I saw some of my Texan cousins, and I realized what my mother meant when she said she came to California so her children could have a better life. I could tell my family of achievements I accomplished in California that I doubt would have been possible if I had grown up in Texas. It was very important for me to see my grandmothers again especially since they're both in their 70s. These two women symbolized my oldest living ancestors, and I realize I would not have life if it were not for them. It was an honor being in their presence again, because they gave birth to my parents. Having a reunion with my father was one of forgiveness for him not being there for me not only physically growing up, but emotionally and financially, too. If I had to be raised by one of my parents, I'm glad my mother raised me, because she raised me to have the love and fear of God within my heart since I was a child, which can best be expressed through Proverbs 23:17-19, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."
Two things I have loved since I was a child are writing and running. Many people who know me wonder why I'm not this famous writer already, or why I do not run competitively anymore like I use to. I realized I allowed procrastination (which is often best defined as fear of success) and getting too caught up with the daily chores of life (work, etc.) shackle me down. I desire when I walk into a bookstore to see my books on the shelf just as I desire to run again with the passion I had as a young man. This summer when I've finally had the time off from work I found time to truly write and run again. I have finally started seriously working on my first commercial novel, which I hope will enlighten and entertain the world, and I've been working out daily to return to the weight I was as a college athlete. I know both endeavors will not be easy, but I know they are both worth it! I will always be a writer and runner, because with the same zest I have for these two purpose-filled passions I've had since the age of eleven, I will exude it even more at the age of 35 and beyond. It simply takes having the faith to turn around from traveling in the wrong direction in order to get back upon the right path. We all have a destiny, but it is up to us whether or not we take time and energy consuming detours to get there instead of walking the straight path God has set forth. The past is important for us to reflect upon, but we should never strive to live in it. The past cannot be relived but only remembered. I do not dwell on my past glories by reminiscing about the "good old days", but I work diligently with faith, perseverance and hard work to have good days in my future. We must press toward the goal just as Philippians 3:12-14 encourages us to: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Having faith in the future means to let go of the past and to embrace the future. Yesterday is forever gone, today is only here for a while, but tomorrow brings promise for prosperity, because trouble does not last always. The future will always present "CHANGE", which is inevitable, so embrace it with a positive attitude, because how you deal with it is totally up to you. God will allow change to be the catalyst to get you where you need to be. We can all find ourselves lost in what seems "comfortable" as we stay stagnant in the same place as life passes us by, but sometimes what makes us feel the most "uncomfortable" is what God uses to cause change, which begets "GROWTH". Never allow rejection or a closed door to hinder you with hesitation to live your life and be all that you can be. Rejection is often a blessing in disguise that allows the wrong people to leave your life while making room for the right people to enter. A closed door if wrongly opened could lead to danger, overstaying your welcome, or being stranded in a situation or place that will defer your dreams. Trust God to open the right door of opportunity, because it is worth knocking on ninety-nine doors that slam in my face that could lead to my destruction if the one-hundredth door opened leads to my destiny. Even though we should not live in the past we must not forget it, especially if a lesson can be learned from it. Otherwise, those who do not know their history are often destined to repeat it. The future has a past, so just as you should honor your ancestors from generations ago who gave you life; hold your past in high regard, because it is the essence of who you are now and who you will become in the future. You are the author of your own life story, so write a meaningful masterpiece that is worthy to be lived while being an inspiration to others! I want to close this message with a word of wisdom one of my mentors instilled in me as a teenager that will stay with me for a lifetime: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
God is Love!
 | Currently listening:
Esperanza
By Esperanza Spalding
Release date: 2008-05-20 |
|
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, June 22, 2008
|
Current mood:  productive
Category: Life
An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie
How many of us have a passion for purpose? What is the difference between passion and purpose, because besides the alliteration there is great meaning in these two words? Passion can be simply defined as any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. Purpose in regards to this message can best be expressed as the quality of being determined to do or achieve something. I have a powerfully compelling feeling to achieve something very special in life, so I do have a passion for purpose. Ever since I was a child I felt a sense of purpose in my life because of the name I was given at birth, which is Belteshazzar. It was an unusual name, but as I grew older I grew to appreciate it (even though I only go by Shazzar now), because I realized I was named after the prophet Daniel (his Babylonian name) who had great purpose in life. "This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means." Daniel 5:12. Since I had a unique name it gave me a sense I was special and meant to achieve great things in life, especially since I was named after a great man of God. It was not difficult for me to believe since I was a child that I was meant to become a great man of God myself.
One of my great purposes is to be a life-changing teacher, so you can assume it fills me with passion to achieve this goal. My role model is a teacher named Jesus Christ who still today is changing the world with His teachings. I would like to think that the lessons I teach about academics and life will be long remembered by my students even after they have left my classroom. Charity is an attribute that I live by, and because of this I believe in sowing seeds of positivity into the lives of my students whether it be from an encouraging word to material gifts of enlightenment. There is great purpose in investing in the lives and future of young people. All it takes is one person to make a difference in someone's life, and God blessed me with the opportunity to have a few people throughout my life who made a positive difference, so I owe it to my mentors to make a positive difference in the lives of my students. Being a teacher is like being a potter who shapes clay into beautiful art.
It takes creativity, dedication, patience and talent to mold something without shape into something truly meaningful and sublime like good teachers should shape their students into form.
Last week I experienced my first graduation with students I taught when they were ninth graders. At the school I teach at I do not have the opportunity to see my students advance in grades, so this was the first time I had seen these young people in three years. They were kids when I last so them, but now were truly young adults as graduating seniors who were about to enter a place called the "real world". When I saw these young people graduate it gave a whole new meaning to the job that I do as a high school teacher. It made me see beyond the present to visual my students' future, especially since I am one of their first high school teachers who are responsible for building a strong foundation that will sustain them throughout their educational career, which should last a lifetime, because one should never stop learning, since obtaining wisdom/knowledge is part of the growth process called life.
Even though I have multiple degrees I still strive to learn as much as I can, because education is part of our evolution. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:20-21.
At graduation some of my former students who acted as if they were simply crazy about me when they were ninth graders barely acted as if they knew me at the ceremony. I cannot say this about all the students who seemed like they liked me back then, but a couple of students I held dear to my heart and assumed they felt they same way about me as freshmen barely had eye contact with me. I knew they had grown in many ways, and that the teacher who I assumed was their favorite their first year of high school was not as important years later in the lives they were living now. Needless to say, I realized they were no longer the people I remember them being, and sadly from what I discerned it was not a positive growth. What truly surprised, but yet enlightened me as if it were an epiphany were the students who gave me the most trouble their first year of high school. These same students did not even bother to say goodbye to me on the last day of school three years ago, but now were running up to me, giving me hugs and acting as if no time had passed by since they last saw me as they joyfully screamed my name with delight to be in my presence again. I realized these students compared me to their latter teachers, and they discovered there was something special about me even though in their adolescence they did not comprehend or appreciate it when they were in my classroom. I know without struggle there can be no progress, and that a teacher should never give up on a troubled student, because he/she can be the difference to change that student's life for the better even if during the meantime it seems has if it is hopeless. People who plant tree seedlings often do not see those trees grow to become tall and strong, but at least they know they help those trees take root by establishing a foundation for the future. Most people simply need a seed of hope in their life, and a teacher should be the one to plant it through charity, kindness, patience and tolerance.
As an inner-city public high school teacher my life is never easy, but I know what I do for a living is worth doing, because I have the opportunity to give my students purpose in life, which I hope will be the fuel for their passions. I believe I am a rare teacher in that I truly believe in investing in the lives of my students whether if it is through spending extra time with them to help them reach an academic goal or to giving them gifts of enlightenment (novels, dvds, school supplies, etc.) to help them open their eyes to a new world of opportunity that is ready to be explored. Being a teacher can often be a thankless job that begets criticism even when the job you do is excellent. Not everyone appreciates excellence displayed by a gifted teacher from the administration on down to the parents/students. Did everyone appreciate Jesus Christ while He lived on earth? I have faced adversity as a teacher, but it has always made me stronger and more resilient to do God's will. Sometimes when people think they are hurting you they will actually be helping you by making you stronger to overcome the adversity and obstacles they put in your path thereby pushing you onto your purpose.
This past school year had to be one of my best where I truly made an impact in most of my students' lives. My students' test scores were good across the board, and over 90% of my students passed my classes. I simply did not allow failure to be an option by doing everything I could to help my students realize the importance of an education for their future. I gave away more gifts/rewards than I ever have even to students I did not know, but still deserved to be honored. This was my way of planting seeds of positivity into their lives. Overall, I had the best group of students I have had, and I can truly say I had students who truly appreciated me. This year was a big turn around from the previous year where I had my all-time worst class, my all-time worst student (behavioral wise) and experienced the most cruelty in response to my kindness from another student. I did not let these experiences get me down, but I allowed them to inspire me with passion and purpose to do an even better job this past school year.
Every year I live and grow in wisdom and knowledge, so I learned a lot of lessons from my past students that allowed me to be a better teacher to my future students. Even with this success it still seemed at times I was appreciated the least by some because of their own agendas, but I realized God's purpose for me was not to earn brownie points with the principal, but to change the lives of my students for the better. I learned a long time ago that the only one who has authority over me is God, whom I strive for His acceptance, and that is how I live passionately with purpose. The key to failure is trying to please everyone, but the key to success is being bold enough to stand alone and stand out from amongst the crowd. I also learned to live with purpose with the wisdom that no man on this earth is greater than myself in my mind, heart and soul, which endows in me the confidence that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is not an arrogant stance, but a Christ-like stance, because even though Jesus knew He was the greatest man to ever walk this earth humbled Himself before men. I am a very humble person, but just because I display humility does not mean I have to be effacing. I can have confidence in Christ to know that greater is He (Jesus Christ) who is in me than he (devil) is in the world. Rejection can often be a blessing by becoming the catalyst in life for achieving great things, because not every one or thing we want in our life is good for us. "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." Psalm 118:22.
God shines light even in the darkest of places and gives everyone an opportunity of hope. The student who I considered my all-time worst student because of her behavior in my class back in '06-'07 actually showed a great deal of remorse, which comes with maturity when I by chance crossed paths with her at a school field trip with one of my classes this past school year. I realized I had to forgive her for the way she acted in my class (a version of love/hate, which always ends with the person acting as if they hate you even though they will later have regret). I guess she could tell from my cool response to her greeting that I still remembered her behavior, but then I realized I should have displayed more warmth realizing that we all have growing pains, which is part of being a teenager. Teenagers tend to only think about the present instead of contemplating the consequences for their actions. I too was once a teenager, so I realized that just as I desired grace and mercy from those I might not have treated with the utmost respect, that I also needed to give grace and mercy to those who I deal with, even if they might not seem like the most wonderful people in the world when I am dealing with them. "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:35-38.
Even though we might believe if someone wronged us that they do not deserve grace and mercy, but that is what great and mercy is about (it is not earned, but given freely just as Christ gave His life as a sacrifice without us deserving His grace and mercy); it is a gift from our mind, heart and soul, which we want to be filled with God's purpose and Holy Spirit to do the right thing even though it might not seem right or popular at the time, because we allow "self" and what the "world" says to get in the way of God's plan for us. As time passes "change" is inevitable, so you must be open to a future with uncertainty, but when you embrace the future with faith you will be able to handle any change or circumstance, which will most likely be for your good when you put your trust in Jesus Christ who is the greatest teacher to ever live. Ask yourself today what is the greatest lesson you have learned from the life of Christ, and when you figure it out then live that lesson for a lifetime. The best compliment you can give a teacher is to want to be like him/her. I had a life-changing teacher back in high school who never gave up on me, and it is no surprise that I teach the same subject she taught to her students. I am mainly inspired by Jesus Christ to be the best teacher and person I can be. I plan to keep making a positive difference in my classroom in the lives of my students, and one day the world by giving people a passion for purpose!
God is Love!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
|
Current mood:  peaceful
Category: Religion and Philosophy
An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie
Summer is here and for a teacher that means it is time to rest (recover from the past school year) and rejuvenate one's self for the upcoming school year, which will be filled with many new people and new experiences. Teaching has become an integral part of my life, but it is not all of who I am. I know my time in the classroom is temporary, because God means for me to teach the world one day through my gifts, which is something that cannot be done while confined in a classroom. Being a teacher can often be a thankless job, but it can also be very rewarding giving one the ability to change other people's lives for the better. My greatest role model is a teacher named Jesus Christ! When I am in my classroom I strive to be like Him. It is not easy being a Christ-inspired teacher, because you are bound to be hurt, disappointed and taken for granted by the same people you are trying to help, much like Jesus Christ experienced when He walked on Earth. I had to let go and let God deal with some of the experiences I endured this past school year, because I went through trials, which I know will lead to triumph with Christ by my side.
When you dare to care about someone you also take the risk of being hurt by him or her. Caring for someone is a choice we make. It is idealistic that all teachers care about their students, but it is not always that way. There are teachers who care about each of their students as individuals and there are some who only care about their paycheck. Many of my students tell me I am the nicest teacher they have ever known. I had students that appreciated this, and likewise I had students who tried to take advantage of it. I am not like most teachers in that I look at teaching as if it is a ministry to teach students about academics and life. I had a teacher who I still communicate with who taught me for two years in high school. She was a former nun who brought out the best in me as a writer and as a speaker. I would not be who I am today if it was not for her caring. I believe she transferred her purpose in serving God as a nun into serving God as a teacher. She helped many students, but there were some who simply did not appreciate her help. When I first entered her classroom as an 11th grader she called on me every day in class to speak. Now, if you knew who I was in the 11th grade you may assume this was a traumatic experience. Initially, I thought she was picking on me and was not sympathetic to what I was going through. I realized later that she was helping me face my fears of verbal communication while bringing out the best in my writing ability as well. By the end of the 12th grade I was transformed almost into a new person, because of her support. It is no surprise this caring teacher had such a positive effect on me that I earned three degrees and a professional teaching credential in the subject she taught, and now I teach it to my students. She was a teacher who went the extra mile for her students, and cared about their personal lives as well. I know it was not always easy for her, but I also realize it was worth it. She taught for over 30 years touching more lives than she could have ever imagined coming in contact with as a nun.
Every year I teach I seem to get a few wonderful students who put smiles on my face. Never once did they cross my path without smiling and saying hello to me. It simply showed me that they cared about me as a person and respected me as their teacher. I had students who barely had eye contact with me much less actually speak to me while walking pass me as if they did not know me. I know most people have experienced the hurt of caring for someone who does not care about you reciprocally. I feel for the parent who does everything they can to save their child from a hard life while trying to give them a better life than they had only to be rewarded with rebellion. A good teacher today is much like a parent, because not every child comes from a positive home environment. Every year without fail I give every student (often over 100 students per year) a personalized Christmas card, a gift and candy. I am sure I am the only teacher at my school that does this, but it really affected me when some of my students told me not even their parents gave them what I did for Christmas. I believe in charity (agape love), and it is something I live by. It amazes me how many teachers will not spend a dollar on their students when they make their living off of them. The charity I give to my students throughout the year (including literary books, journals, and school supplies to inspire them to be excellent writers) may cost me a few hundred dollars, but it is only a fraction of my salary. I look at it as investing in their future, and it comes from the heart, because I expect absolutely nothing in return. I know some students who may have never experienced a teacher like me might wonder why I care and give like I do, but they simply should ask themselves why did Christ care and give unto the world? I do not consider myself only a teacher, but a Christian teacher. Even though I cannot teach about Christ in the classroom I strive to be Christ-like in my teaching, which positively affects my students. Every year I have students who sit in class and do nothing but fail even though I give them every opportunity to pass. This can be very discouraging, especially when you give so much of yourself in your profession. Likewise, I have students who go beyond what I ask of them, and it lets me know that it is worth teaching 100 students simply if I have the opportunity to change one of their lives for the better.
I teach at an inner-city high school, which is not far from the one I graduated from, so it is not hard for me to relate to the students I teach. One of the main ways I keep my sanity as a teacher is through constant prayer and guidance from God to do the right thing, but there is something else I do, which is putting myself in the shoes of my students. This is called compassion and it is easy to have when I remember who I was as a high school student. I am sure I let down a few teachers and coaches who tried to help me, because I thought I knew it all like most teenagers do only to discover years later I was ignorant, because of the lack of knowledge and wisdom that comes from experience. Still today I look back and regret some of the things I did as a teenager, but it was part of my learning experience, and a lot of teenagers the way they live today will have to learn about life the hard way. In high school I was never really part of a crowd. I envisioned myself as a leader and I valued my Christian morals. It discomforts me when I think about the sinful lives (premarital sex, alcohol, drugs, etc.) many high school students live today, which will only detrimentally catch up to them in their future. I know their family and friends influence many of my students, which can be a positive or negative influence. When you are part of a crowd or clique you can be influenced to think someone who is actually good is bad, because of other people's perceptions (or ignorance), and likewise, these same people who influence you can lead you to thinking someone who is actually bad is good. Many students will one day realize some of the people they thought were their enemy were actually their friend, and some of the people they thought were their true friends will turn out to be their enemies. It reminds me how a crowd 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem chose to free a murderer named Barabbas rather than an innocent man named Jesus Christ who lived a righteous life of love. To them Jesus was bad, because He symbolized a life they did not want to live, and Barabbas was someone they could relate to, because their lives were filled with sin like his was. As a teacher you can only do so much to help students, but today there are so many boundaries that teachers cannot cross, which often leaves them helpless in changing a student's life for the better. This is when you have to let go and let God handle the situation.
I have my share of disappointments throughout my teaching career, but this year provided one of my most heartbreaking. I realized I had to let go and let God deal with it, because one should never live in the past with hurt, and should never regret the act of kindness. "I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above." Philippians 3:13-14. Being a high school teacher is a unique experience because you get the opportunity to deal with students who are between adolescence and adulthood. I believe at the grade level I teach I have an opportunity to change their lives for the better, but what is sad about it is many of the students are too immature to appreciate my efforts. It made me wonder myself why I cared so much about my students when it seemed like only a few truly appreciated my endeavors. I then had to stop having a pity party for myself and focus on the life of Jesus Christ. What I went through could not even compare to the hurt Christ felt upon the cross. He was crucified by the very same people He tried to help, but He forgave them, because as He said: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. We are all people who are worthy of grace and mercy. I believe there is no person upon this earth who has not made the mistake of hurting someone who tried to help them. I do not regret my kindness, because I know it was an act of charity, and perhaps some of the seeds of positivity I tried to plant will take root and grow by God's grace. It also made me further value the students who did appreciate my help.
Throughout my life I have often saw myself as a self-sacrificing saint trying to bring out the good in people, but I realize that one should not have to beg someone to accept a blessing. Often when people do not appreciate the good we do unto them it is because they are not worthy (or deserving) of it. I am reminded of Matthew 7:6: "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." I think we all should step out on faith and help those in need, but only to the point where it is not detrimental with the person you are trying to help trying to hurt you in return, because your good can easily be evil spoken of. I have become a much wiser teacher with each year I teach, because my students often help teach me lessons about life. There is one passage from the Bible I read daily and that is 1 Corinthians 13:13. It is actually the scripture my mother told me God gave her about me when I was in her womb: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and charity, but the greatest of these is charity (love). I will continue to be a teacher of charity, because I know like Christ that even though I may not be appreciated in the present time that my positive effect upon people will be felt for ages. I will never become one of those teachers who stopped caring, because then I will have no place in the classroom. I know when living a righteous life that I will not be adored by the masses, but God will still bless me to be loved by the faithful few, so I will not change. I will only grow in wisdom from the experiences I have endured. "Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect." Romans 12:2.
Letting go and letting God deal with the situation or the person is the correct way a Christian should live. The past cannot be relived or changed, so there is no need to keep living in it reminding yourself of the hurt when Jesus offers the healing of peace. Never regret an act of kindness because when you show love to a person you become Christ-like, because God is Love! When you forgive you become free from the shackles of sin called bitterness and resentment, which only destroy the bearer. Jesus Christ stated: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28. When you give charity (love) you can change the circumstances of people's lives with the humblest gesture. I believe we are all evolving into who God wants us to be when we strive to live righteously. We all deserve grace and mercy because no one is without sin, and there is hope for us all. Remember one of the greatest Christians of all-time who spread Christianity throughout the world was a man named Paul. He was also known as Saul the Christian killer before Jesus changed his life. My greatest hope as a teacher is that I can influence my students to become the best people they can be in life. The whole world is ahead of them and hopefully they will grow into who God means for them to be. I know I am nowhere near who God wants me to be, because He is by no means through with me. I plan on achieving "greatness" in life and the only way that can be accomplished is if I let go and let God! I can do all things through Jesus Christ because He strengthens me! Remember God will never allow more of a burden upon you than you can bear, so let your struggles make you stronger! I want to leave you with my latest poem, which was inspired by my experience this past school year.
Let Go and Let God
A quad-tanka poem by Shazzar Kallie
Let go and let God
reveal the way to follow
the path of His will
out of the bondage of hurt
into the healing of peace.
Regret bears burdens
of bitterness submerging
the soul in sorrow.
Love is the lighthouse that leads
to the shores of salvation.
Charity changes
the circumstances of life.
The giving of grace
will reciprocate mercy
that mutually mends all hearts.
Wisdom is endowed
aptly through experience.
Place the past behind
and focus on the future.
Forgiveness begets freedom.
© 2007
God is Love!!!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 12, 2007
|
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Religion and Philosophy
An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie
We are in the midst of the season of spring, which is the perfect time to think about "change" and "renewal". It is time to change our outlook on life to be more positive and time to renew our mind, body and soul! Spring is the time for growth and new life from plants to animals. Winter's death is now over and it is time for spring's life to begin. I cannot think of any better season for Easter to take place than spring, because Jesus died so we could live. How often do you think about what you do to make sure that Jesus Christ did not die in vain for you? If someone sacrifices their life for you then you owe it to them to live your life to the fullest, and that is something I plan on doing. Three things that are very important for living a renewed life are "Strength, Courage and Wisdom"! I first realized this very important concept back in the spring of 2001 when I discovered this wonderful album called Acoustic Soul by India Arie. Featured on this album was my favorite song "Strength, Courage & Wisdom". I found myself listening to it every morning almost in a prayer like sense to get me prepared for the day before me. It is amazing how we all have the ability to achieve "greatness" in life already within us. We simply have to have the strength, courage and wisdom to open our minds, hearts and souls to the possibilities that life has in store for us.
Strength is important whether it is spiritual, emotional or physical strength. Most people think of strength as a physical state, but it is mostly a spiritual/mental state of being. How many of us possess the strength to overcome temptation? God will never allow a burden upon us that we cannot bear. God is our protection and our strength. Endurance is another form of strength. The race of life is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures until the end. Athletes know that in order to have a strong physical performance, you must first have a strong mind and heart. As a runner I like to ponder who gives the most valiant effort in their athletic endeavor: the sprinter or the distance runner? Is it easier to run 100 meters full out or run a marathon at a steady pace? Who has given the most effort and has gotten the most contentment out of their effort? I would definitely have to go with the marathon runner. I do not know many people who take pride after having completed a 100 meter run unless they break a record, but you can finish last place in a marathon and feel utmost pride in simply finishing, because it symbolizes endurance, which is what true strength is all about. Has there ever been a time you have been tired? When you think about it I mean more than just physically tired, but spiritually tired or emotionally tired. It seemed like you were so tired you wanted to quit the race and give up. The race could be in the form of a relationship, a job or even a dream/goal in life. How many of us are strong enough to hang in there and see the race until the end? God gives strength to those who are tired and power to those who are weak. When you trust in the Lord you will be given the strength to endure. If life seems to have given you a burden so heavy that it is weighing you down, then give that burden unto the Lord, and it will become light and bearable. What is strength without faith? They go hand in hand to meet the problems in life. Remember God will never allow a burden upon you that you cannot bear, so believe in yourself and know you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You will be amazed at how strong you are when you are faced with conflict. Sometimes we do not know how strong we are until we have our back against the ropes and the only way out is to fight the good fight of faith. Just when you thought you were about to get knocked out you battle back with strength to win in the end, because of your endurance.
Courage is something we all can use. Courage is essential to my livelihood, because I actually work in a profession that requires daily and constant public speaking. If you knew me growing up then you would know that public speaking was something I dreaded and would avoid at all costs. It was not that I did not like having the opportunity to speak publicly, but I had a burden upon me that caused verbal conflicts with my speech. Sometimes God will allow a burden upon us to make us stronger, and through this I discovered my gift for writing, but that still did not give me the excuse to live in fear by avoiding speaking. Before I became a teacher I worked in the field of corporate writing, but I always wondered what I could be doing and the impact I would have on others if I simply had courage to face my fears. I faced my fears by becoming a teacher, which is a profession that forces me to speak in any situation. When I am in my classroom I am in a world filled with courage, because I realize that if it were not for my courage to face my fears I would not even be there. I actually forget my old self who lived in fear afraid to let my voice be heard, because I am so consumed with being a courageous person and inspiring my students to have courage as well. I realized how much I love to speak and have the opportunity to change other people's lives with my voice. We all have fears in this life, but you can turn your fears into courage with faith. So many of us are consumed with judgment from other people and even ourselves. We are afraid that we may fail, or that someone will not accept us. We are even afraid of success, because it may force us out of our comfort zone. When I think about courage I think of the conquering Lion of Judah in the form of Jesus Christ. As a Christian it is my duty to be like a lion that is filled with courage and boldness. Would Jesus Christ have changed the world if He did not have courage and boldness? He did not care what other people thought about Him, but was focused on What God thought about Him and accomplishing His mission. You will be amazed at how you will forget about the criticism and judgment of others when you focus on pleasing God and accomplishing the goals God has given you the ability to achieve. Read Psalm 27 and you will realize how when we put our trust in the Lord we will receive all the courage we need in life. I fear no man or no thing, but I only fear God, which allows me to strive to keep His commandments so I can be the best Christian I can be. Jesus is my confidence and I know with Christ by my side the race is won before it has even begun. How can you replace your fear with courage? People who are courageous do not lack fear, but they go forth in spite of their fears, thereby facing them and defeating them with faith. Love is a powerful opponent of fear, because perfect love casts out fear. Strive to be a person of love (even loving your enemies), because God is Love, and those who love are of God! Do you have the courage to love and be the best person you can be? It takes courage to do what is right in life, so I encourage you to be courageous on your path of righteousness!
Wisdom is truly a divine gift from God. A person can have all the doctorate degrees in the world, which proves that they have knowledge, but it does not guarantee them an ounce of wisdom. There are plenty of educated folks who are very unwise in their ways. True wisdom comes from God. When you are truly wise with understanding you will show it by living righteously. Wisdom is choosing to remain calm when the world gives you every reason to be angry. Wisdom is choosing to give rather than to receive despite what people may think of you. Yes, some people will take kindness for weakness, but that is their loss. Many of my students have told me I am probably the nicest teacher they have ever known. When I teach I strive to be like Jesus by expressing love, tolerance and patience. I have students who put smiles on my face simply because of their positive presence, and I have some who would make the average person want to cry because of their negativity. In life you will come to the realization that there is good and bad in almost everything, and wisdom will teach you how to deal with it. When you are calm you remain in control, but when you become angry you are automatically out of control. With wisdom comes forgiveness, and if Jesus Christ could forgive those who crucified Him, then we can surely forgive those who wrong us. When you think about it the only person who suffers from bitterness and resentment is the person who has it in their heart. Wisdom teaches you to bless those who persecute you. This was something that was once hard for me to do, but when God gave me wisdom I realized there was no other way. Jesus Christ upon the cross forgave all His persecutors, because they truly did not fully understand what they were doing for they lacked wisdom. I am blessed in that almost every person in my life that ever did me wrong lived to regret it. It was not that I did anything negative unto them, but they realized I was not who they assumed I was or realized the value of my friendship too late. When you are a wise person you strive to do what Jesus would do. It is not always easy, but it is always worth doing! I thank God for my wisdom and it is truly a gift from God filled with faith! I feel I was destined to be a wise man, because even my parents named me after one of the wisest men in the Bible named Belteshazzar. You most likely know him by his Hebrew name as the prophet Daniel in the lion's den. Humbleness is a divine quality of wisdom. When you are humble God will make you great, but when you are proud in an arrogant way you will fall. "Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must be humble." Proverbs 15:33 Knowledge is learned, but wisdom is divinely given!
Strength, Courage and Wisdom are essential to my life, because I am a man of God! I know I am destined for greatness, and the only way I can achieve it is through having strength, courage and wisdom, which are attributes of Faith! The path of life will be filled with times on mountain highs and in valleys lows, but with strength, courage and wisdom you will endure until your journey is over and hopefully will hear God the Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" We all possess strength, courage and wisdom. It is simply up to us to look within and express it to the fullest. Personally, I can say "procrastination" has been a hindrance in my life to becoming the best I can be. Procrastination is a thief, and it is more than just delaying action, but it is delaying your destiny. Do not delay something for tomorrow that you should be doing today! I am going to strive to let my light shine bright, so I can illuminate other people's lives. I want to encourage you to not allow the darkness of weakness, fear and foolishness dim your light. "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12 Let us all strive to have our lives filled with light! I want to leave you with my latest poem, which is a quad-tanka (I invented them) about "Strength, Courage and Wisdom"!
Strength, Courage and Wisdom
A quad-tanka poem by Shazzar Kallie
God will make me strong
to overcome temptation
and trials in life
triumphant with endurance.
He restores my soul with strength.
Victory is won
before the race has begun
with Christ by my side.
Faith and love are fruits that feed
courage, curing fear's hunger.
Respect for the Lord
will endow divine wisdom
that comes from Heaven,
which is pure, peaceful, gentle,
understanding and truthful.
On the path of life
strength, courage and wisdom gives
guidance from God to defeat
weakness, fear and foolishness:
out of darkness into light.
© 2007
God is Love!!!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 24, 2006
|
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life
A Thanksgiving Day Message by Shazzar Kallie
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:15
Today is Thanksgiving Day. I want to give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the precious gift of life. We have so much to be thankful for if simply for the air we breathe, because every breath is a gift from God. When we think about Thanksgiving Day we think about a time to feast with family and friends. It seems like everyone has to have their turkey, stuffing and all the other fixings to stuff themselves until they cannot eat another bite. It is a blessing to be able to have a feast, especially when famine is present in the world, and even in America there are families who do not have enough to eat. When I think of Thanksgiving I think of my source for whom Thanksgiving Day was created for, and that is God Almighty! Everyone knows the story of the Pilgrims who came to America for religious freedom. They would not have survived the New World without the help of the Native Americans who provided food and taught them how to be self-sufficient. Thanksgiving has been celebrated ever since those early years in the 1600s. It is America's official day to give thanks to God, but I find it impossible not to thank God every day for His precious grace and mercy!
In 1789 President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day as a way to thank God for His many blessings. The great President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving Day a national holiday in November, which has been celebrated annually since 1863. President Lincoln like Washington realized that America was the country she is because of God ("One Nation Under God"), so he had to give thanks where it was due: "They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy." America is the most powerful nation in the world because of our reverence for God. From the Pilgrims who came to America so they could praise God with freedom to the multi-cultural multitudes who have followed, our country is blessed because we know whom we are to be thankful unto for "In God We Trust."
I find myself thanking God many times a day, which starts as soon as I open my eyes and take my first conscious breath in the morning. I thank God for blessing me to see another day and for giving me the precious gift of life. I thank God before I close my eyes in prayer at night for allowing me to make it through another day. I thank God for my trials and tribulations, because I know they will often lead to triumph after faith and perseverance have been implanted in my mind, heart and soul. I thank God for my spirituality. It is a choice to serve Him and many choose not to, but I thank God for instilling the agape love I have always had for Him since I was a child. God is Love and I know I am a child of God because I believe in Love! The world does not have anything to offer that can even compare to the blessings God has in store. I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to do what is right instead, that which is wrong. Through God I know from whom all of my blessings flow!
I thank God for my mentality. I am a very educated person who can be proud to say that I have walked across the stage four different times in college at graduation to receive my earned educational rewards. I thank God for divine wisdom and the knowledge that is learned through experience. I get excited when I realize all the potential for "greatness" that God has given me. But then I realize that potential means I am not doing all that I can with His precious gifts, so I am inspired to be better and do better. I know God will bless me for the World to one day know my name through my gift of literary expression. It is a blessing to have peace of mind, because so many people do not. I know that my faith will conquer any fear, so when I put my mind to accomplishing something my body has to follow, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
I thank God for my physical health. I can say I have never been hospitalized a day in my life unless you count the day when I was born. I have never missed a day of school or work because of sickness. I thank God for the opportunity to be of better health through exercise, eating right and the desire to run competitively again. So many people take their physical health for granted. There is a saying, " I once complained I had no new shoes until I saw the man with no feet to use." I thank God for the gift of sight, the gift of hearing, the gift of touch, the gift of taste, and the gift of smell. You will be surprised at how many millions of people in this country who lack at least one of those gifts many take for granted.
I thank God for my financial state. I am by no means rich, but I thank God that I am not suffering at the poverty level either. It is a blessing to have a job that I can say enables me to at least meet my basic needs and be able to afford many wants (desires). I realize the more I give unto God the more I am blessed. I believe in charity and I strive to share the blessings God has bestowed unto me with others. I do not forget any of my students at Christmas making sure they each get a card, gift and candy. Likewise, I strive to help those who are in need even if it means it will be a sacrifice for me. We owe God at least 10% of our income in tithes; so strive to give it in some way through charity whether it is at church or to the homeless person on the street who needs a meal to eat.
When I think about it, I realize I have so much to be thankful for. I may not be all that I can be, which simply means that God is by no means through with me. When we are faithful over a few, God will make us a ruler over many. What are you thankful for? People should realize that many people do not have it as half as good as they do. Try living in another country besides America and you will be thankful you are an American. When we thank God through our thanksgiving we show we are grateful for His many blessings through grace & mercy and are deserving of more. I know whenever I do something for somebody and they say "thank you" it is the reward in itself, because it shows that I am appreciated, and my charity was not in vain. God wants to be thanked as well, so give thanks, because we have so much to be thankful for!
"Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 4:20
God is Love!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
|
Current mood: relaxed
Category: Life
An inspirational message by Shazzar Kallie
Today is Independence Day for our country, which falls on the fourth of July. It is our country's birthday, which we celebrate a nation that was founded on the faith of our forefathers who were Christians and believed in God (one Nation under God). When I think about the Fourth of July I think more than fireworks, BBQs, and summertime, but I think about freedom. This is what America is all about and that is liberty and justice for all. I know it does not always work out this way, but what a great idea it is, and hopefully like the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this idea of freedom will continue to come into realization from a dream into something very tangible.
My faith gives me freedom, liberty and justice. Independence is something I believe any sane person strives for. As dependents in our adolescence we needed our parents to provide for us, but as we got older, wiser and experienced with life we sought out to become independent. It somehow was not okay to be still living at home as an adult or to be at the mercy of others for support and sustenance. As we became independent we realized it was time to stand up on our own and explore what true freedom was about. As a dependent we were subject to our parents' rules and regulations, which meant a lack of personal freedom, but with independence we became rulers and regulators of our own lives. Independence Day is not only a day to celebrate America's independence (freedom) from the rule of Great Britain, but also to celebrate the idea of "freedom"!
I think we all are on a path of independence no matter how old we are. Yes, many have material things that say they are independent (have freedom), but how many of us are still dependent? It may not be on parents, but on a job, a spouse, credit cards, material possessions, or even negative things that can be detrimental to the mind, body and soul? I can admit that even though I have independence to an extent I still thirst for freedom, liberty and justice in my life. I am not free to do whatever I like, because I have things that might constrain that freedom. I am not rich so I cannot spend a month's paycheck on a luxury, neither can I just take off a week from work to relax and just "chill out". I am dependent on a job to pay my bills; likewise, I am dependent on other things in life like having a car, a house to live in, food to eat, and other necessities. Freedom in America has a price. Ask all the countless of lives that have been sacrificed so we as Americans can have this concept and hope of freedom!
As a teacher I experience a certain freedom because it is summer and I basically get a two-month vacation. I have the freedom to wake up whenever I like and not go to work, which is a relief after a school year of making sure I was at school everyday to give my best to my students. It is good to have this freedom to relax and rejuvenate for the new school year, which will be here before I know it. In my classroom I made sure to teach my students the difference in being independent, which I am, and being dependent, which basically they all were. Being a dependent person comes with a certain freedom, because you know you have someone that is responsible for taking care of you. I found even as a dependent as a minor I strived to be independent, because I realized I could not truly put my fate and destiny in anyone's hands but my own. I learned to work each summer to buy my school clothes, learned how to cook my food, wash my clothes, etc., as a child in an effort to prepare myself for independence, because I dreamed of the freedom of having a better life, which is something I am still bringing into realization. Life often imitates art as in the poem titled "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, our dreams may be deferred, but they surely are not dead.
Independence is a powerful word, because it means freedom from control or influence of another. I pray that one day I will become truly independent from everything in this world, but there is one thing that I will always be dependent upon and that is God! I forever want to be a child in the eyesight of God in need of His love, support, wisdom, grace and mercy. I pray that we all can get independence from fear and replace it with the freedom of faith, get independence from debt and replace it with the freedom of prosperity, get independence from negativity and replace it with the freedom of positivity through the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 in the Bible: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
I am going to enjoy my independence day, year, decade and life, because I know I have been given the freedom (independence) of power, love and a sound mind (peace), because as a Christian I am no longer dependent upon fear through my faith, which defeats it. It is my goal to be more independent in life. I am by no means as independent as I desire and need to be, but that simply means that God is by no means through with me. What is the price (value) of freedom if it is not fought for? I will keep on fighting the good fight of faith, because I know in the end it will lead to my freedom (independence) from all the troubles of the world until I am ready to receive my reward from my Father in Heaven. I want to hear Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
I hope everyone has a blessed Independence Day and remember that it is more than just a holiday, but it is the celebration of Freedom! I want to be free to be all that I can be! Stay strong and be encouraged in Christ and know that freedom comes through faith, perseverance and hard work! Fight the good fight of faith for freedom (independence)!
God is Love!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
|
Current mood: calm
Category: Religion and Philosophy
Peace, Be Still
By Shazzar Kallie
I wanted to share with you a message from a song that has touched my soul since I first heard it over a year ago. The song is called "Peace, Be Still" by The Emotions, which was featured on the classic concert film documentary "Wattstax" that came out in 1973 the year I was born. This is the only song that has ever brought tears to my eyes simply by listening to it and feeling the spirit that emanates from it. The song is about what happened on a boat with Jesus and His twelve disciples on the Sea of Galilee that can be found in the fourth chapter of Mark in the Bible. This song is a reminder that no matter where we are or whatever we go through in life that Jesus is near, and when all hope seems lost He will rescue us with His awesome power. On that day when Jesus silenced the terrifying storm He was tired after spending the day teaching the crowds on the beach and then afterwards explaining the parables (illustrations) privately to His disciples. Jesus wanted to cross to the other shore, so He and His twelve disciples gathered in a boat and soon Jesus fell asleep after He lay down in the back of the boat. Remember, a few of the disciples were experienced sailors with being fishers of fish and not only fishers of men. All of a sudden because of certain circumstances that deal with nature and God's will a violent windstorm sends waves crashing against the boat as water starts to swamp it, but Jesus is still fast asleep. All twelve of the disciples fear death by drowning and know that their only hope is a miracle from the miracle worker whom they call master and teacher. They cry out in fear as they struggle to keep the boat afloat, it seems for certain the ship is doomed. The raging waters and the violent winds are almost symbolic of the rage and turmoil that is going on in their minds, hearts and souls as they are overcome with fear. They know only Jesus can save them so they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The wind and the waves obey and Jesus turns to His disciples and said, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" These were the same men that saw Jesus work miracles on the masses as well as in their very own hearts when they chose to give up their lives to serve Him . Jesus' question unto them begats an unsual fear, which grips them as they say to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" The power of Jesus is the power He has given us in our day-to-day life as we sail on the sea of life. With Jesus we can survive earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes or any natural or manmade disaster that tries to take our lives. We don't have to fear, because Jesus even though it may seem He is asleep is always with us and is only a prayer away. Jesus and His disciples arrived on the other shore and I'm sure the trials the disciples experienced led to triumph in their minds, hearts and souls knowing they served the true Savior who could control the natural elements. The disciples' fear was just as dangerous as the raging waters and winds, just as our fear is the main enemy to our faith, love and peace of mind. Sometimes, when it seems like the storms of life are raging in me I call out to Jesus to take away my fear, and all I have to do is say to myself and meditate on the words "Peace, be still" and then I feel a calm and an assurance that everything is going to be alright just as it was for Jesus and His twelve disciples on that day. Always remember the verse 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." A sound mind to me is "peace of mind"! I remember seeing the concert, which was inspired by the seventh year anniversary of the Watts Riots. The concert took place in 1972 and was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum with The Emotions performance held at a local church, which the documentary shows. I don't think the Spirit of the Holy Ghost would have been felt as much in a big place like the Coliseum as it was felt in the church on that day. I was blessed to grow up in the church, and my mother made sure I always had a chance to know who God is. I first remember the yearning to know Jesus for myself came at the age of four years old, which was the same age I got baptized. The chapter in the documentary starts with showing various churches in Watts as one of The Emotions narrates the story of Jesus Christ being nailed upon the cross as two thieves were nailed beside Him. One of the thieves mocked Jesus like so many people do today daring Him to use His powers, but the other one cried out for grace and mercy asking the Lord to remember him as so many of us do today. In that moment that doomed sinner is promised forever in paradise with Jesus, which is something I believe we all hope to realize one day. Here's the transcript of the chapter, which cannot even compare with actually seeing it. Tears come to my eyes as it did for many in attendance almost every time I view it and listen to the song, because I'm reminded of God's grace and mercy through the gift of giving us His son Jesus Christ! "PEACE BE STILL" SPEAKING: I'm reminded of the two thieves nailed beside Him. I believe one of the thieves said, "If thou be the Christ, why don't you save thyself and us" and the other said. "Lord remember me" and the Lord said, "This day thou shall be with me in paradise". I remember He and His twelve were on a ship sailing afar. When, all of a sudden the skies were filled with darkness, the sea was raging, the lightning flashed, the thunder roared. The ship was rocking back and forth. They were so afraid, so afraid. I believe I heard, a voice, I believe I hear this voice crying out now. I believe I hear this voice crying, crying, saying... THE SONG BEGINS: "Master, the tempest is raging, the billows, the billows are tossing high. The sky is over-shadowed with blackness. Oh yes it is. No hope, no help is nigh. Wake up Jesus! The wind and the waves shall obey thy will. Peace, be still. Peace, be still. Peace, be still. No matter the wrath of the storm tossed sea. Or demons, or men, or whatever it be. No waters can swallow the ship right now. But Master of ocean and earth and sky, they all, shall sweetly obey thy will. When you're burden. "Peace, be still." If you need him, call on him. Be still, oh be still. Peace, be still." Well, I hope this passage and the song "Peace, Be Still" touches your life as it has mine. Remember when fear tries to overcome you and drown you in doubt call on Jesus and say "Peace, be still" just as the Lord did, and I guarantee if you believe you will be calm knowing that we serve a living Savior who still hears our cries and will save us in time of need just as He did long ago on the Sea of Galilee for His twelve disciples. I love and thank you Jesus for saving my soul and for giving me peace!
God is Love!!!
Powered by | | English | | Albanian | | Arabic | | Bulgarian | | Catalan | | Chinese | | Croatian | | Czech | | Danish | | Dutch | | Estonian | | Filipino | | Finnish | | French | | Galician | | German | | Greek | | Hebrew | | Hindi | | Hungarian | | Indonesian | | Italian | | Japanese | | Korean | | Latvian | | Lithuanian | | Maltese | | Norwegian | | Polish | | Portuguese | | Romanian | | Russian | | Serbian | | Slovak | | Slovenian | | Spanish | | Swedish | | Thai | | Turkish | | Ukrainian | | Vietnamese |
|
|
|
|