Praying with One Eye Open???

Praying with One Eye Open???

When my husband blurted out in shock the 'Breaking News' of the shooting that popped up on his twitter feed, I couldn't believe it! I had to sit down and just breathe quietly... because on any given week on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, THOUSANDS of small to mega churches have their doors unlocked and open for those who will come in for Bible Study, Choir Rehearsal, Prayer Meeting and/or some kind of Ministry meeting; and because we believe in "ALL ARE WELCOME", we leave our doors open and unlocked, many without security...just in case someone comes in off the streets, that we may have the opportunity to minister to them. Stray, homeless or passer-byer, it doesn't matter our Faith informs this willing vulnerability, so we can be open to Serve. We leave ourselves open because we believe, God is our Shield and Protector. We leave our doors open and unlocked, praying with eyes closed and bowed heads, to honor the Lord but also because God has not given us a Spirit of FEAR, but of Power, Love and Sound Mind.  But after last night, I am concerned there will be a shift toward suspicion, not love and people of faith will start locking doors, unwelcoming stray visitors and praying with one eye open.

When sacred spaces become terror sites, it is shocking and unearthing in ways that are difficult to put into words. The worship space, is supposed to be the place for families to come and lay their burdens down, but after last night, has become the place of our greatest burden. Sadly this is not the first time, and even more frightening it will not be the last. And while I stand with the need for gun control; the deep issue isn't guns...in fact our nation has a cruel history where sacred spaces have become terror sites due to fires, bombs, burning crosses, machete's and yes, guns. The deep issue is the hatred that runs thru the DNA of the USA. I recall to mind, just last month, in Phoenix, ARMED citizens were ALLOWED to post up outside a Mosque, in protest to that group. Waving their weapons disgustingly proud, and claiming to stand up for their America. You can't allow some to stand Armed, then be shocked someone else, actually takes a SHOT! And so this alleged shooter (since we are innocent until proven guilty) followed the sick play book, or maybe added to the book another form of the terror (come in, participate, then strike) of so many hate groups and individuals, that we have seen in the past.

So tonight, I will join the many voices who will participate in a prayer vigil; praying for the grieving families and community; but I will also be praying that our Nation has a shift from such hatred, such racism and such terror. I will be praying that we stop suggesting, that we live in a post-racial society and come to terms that racism and other destructive ISMs, are at an all time high, so we can confront and correct. I will be praying that parents stop purchasing weapons for their children, and find new ways to express parental love and support. I will be praying that we don't compartmentalize this as an incident, but go much deeper to examine the national pattern of hatred in our beloved nation. And, I'll still keep praying with my head bowed and eyes closed; because the enemy can not win.



N.

Standing in the Gap

Kudos to our beloved Maxine Waters for convening today's forum "Standing in The Gap"...with four of the mothers who sons and a daughter were murdered at the hands of police and one wanna-be police, #EricGarner, #MikeBrown, #EzellFord and #AleshiaThomas. The mom of #TamirRice would have been with us but she had legal matters to attend to with that case.

As I sat there listening to their stories, I felt this sense of....'this shit is really real." I mean I knew it was real, but they were no longer sound bites on CNN or flashes of frustrated faces on split screen in between BREAKING News reports. These were real moms, bearing a weight and burden no person should have to carry. Yet in the midst of their grief...they still held up the responsibility of pushing forward to fight for Justice...in the face of so much Injustice.

Their words were life giving, life changing, and life impacting; some of which I tweeted that you can read on my feed at Twitter.com/@Revjuju

Their presence, for me, gave new meaning to the often quoted text "Maybe you have been called for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) We all want to be Esther....brave, courageous, willing and fearless ... But what if becoming Esther means living thru your worst possible nightmare; while literally holding up the banner and crying out "no justice, no peace".

Clearly God is using them to help some who face similar grief, but God is also using them stir up those of us, who have the privilege of not walking that particular journey, so that we recognize our responsibility to rise up and fight alongside them against Injustice.

In the words of #SabrinaFulton, the mother of #TrayvonMartin, who pointedly addressed the several hundreds (or thousands...it was a very large banquet room) of people, when she said  "We have talked about us, now let's talk about you...here is how you can do your part..." She charged the crowd to do more than just hear the story but urged us to engage the process....Register to Vote and then Go Gote, to get back to serving on Jury Duty so the court room does represent "a jury of our peers", and advocate for policy changes. These were just a few actions she outlined, as tangible ways we can actually Stand in The Gap.

They could have made this day about their pain...but instead their pain became the fuel for their mission...Justice.

My hope and prayer is, May we all find our place in the Movement, Moment and Mission...of Justice.

Rev Juju

Shooting Police, is a dumb idea!

I am 100% in protest of Police Brutality. I am 100% in protest of Black males hurting other Black males, (aka Black on Black crime). But I'm also 100% in protest of shooting Police.

...while some may suggest, and I heard it this morning on the news, that with these kinds of shooting "the police, may now, understand the kind of fear and threat black and brown men face daily..." I believe is the wrong perspective and quite honestly b.s.

When police are targeted and shot at, this will not ensure in no way shape or form, that a white officer will be any more empathetic to the plight of the black or brown male. It will not ensure that a white officer will think twice (or harder) before pulling the trigger, the next time he confronts a black/brown male. It will not ensure that a white officer will walk away from being shot at, and say to him or herself  "WOW, now I know how they feel! I will do something different." In fact this form of violence, only proves to create the opposite and contrary emotion(s); that leads to greater tension between the two groups of people.

Hurting the other does not give the one doing the hurting any special influence, whereby, you are able to  make someone feel your pain or understand your plight. That notion is only found in someone who has a God complex, and thinks they can "make" someone understand (or see their point of view).

Achieving a place of mutual empathy is not created thru violence, but rather is developed out of relationship, communication, non-violence and love for humanity. Violence may lead to a different situational strategy, tactic or approach, but not to lasting change.

Every major movement that lead to change for the improvement of society, was a result of people who kept up non-violent protest, who were persistent in their cause, pushed the conversation forward and refused to let their voices be silenced, and organized to challenge unjust policy until it changed.

those who shot at the police in Ferguson, don't want change. they want violence. they want to hurt. they want to create more chaos and pain. they do not have the interest of black males. these acts create a diversion and distraction from real dialogue and action. and their actions do not bring honor to Mike Brown nor his family.

someone knows who did the shooting; and we can only hope they will turn in the shooter. we are calling you out!

N.

Booty Breaking News #breaktheinternet

Booty Breaking News

Last week as social media buzzed on K.K.'s booty as relevant “Breaking News”, was simply amusing. I couldn’t even concentrate on some honest internet surfing because every time I clicked one thing or another…I saw references of K.K.’s tail. So I broke down and finally took a look at the picture. And there she was, Tits, Tail and her Tootsie roll (lol).

BUT, what was even more amusing was the hastag #breaktheinternet??? Really, that’s our global goal…to break the internet, behind K.K.’s behind? (pun intended).  Not the 43 students missing in Mexico? Or the 200 plus girls still missing in Nigeria. Or the number of URGENT matters in this world that deserve the attention, that SHOULD #breaktheinternet.

It is sad…that major breaking news, is not more than the tail of a young lady who clearly doesn’t even know when she is being exploited for the capital gain of others and more twitter followers.

I don't get all the HYPE. This booty thang isn’t anything new. See my My Facebook post – 11/13/2014

I don't know why they thought K.K.'s rear-end would ‪#‎breaktheinternet...or that JLo, Lil Iggy, Ms Minaj and that sad attempt by the youngster...what her name? Miley are doing anything NEW. WHAT???? Please...

Com'on ya'll remember 2Live Crew, Uncle Luke and Sir Mix A Lot, they brought us dat BOOTY Booty waaaaay back in the 80's. Don't fall for the HYPE...its all sooo, like a really Bad Remix!

I guess the difference is now, they call it ART? LOL LOL haaa haaa ROFL. (just needed to get that off my chest)

signed,
a hip-hop head from back in the day!

Yes over 30 years ago…booty was splashed all over the media and being talked about by news reporters and radio jocks, while young folk popped that ‘thang’ at house parties and back yard bar-b-ques all across America. The Dirty south and others put that Booty in our faces, raw and unedited. Some loved it and others, more conservative hated it and thought we were all going to hell in a hand-basket. BUTT, It wasn’t called ART then.

In fact, all we are really seeing with the flood of Booty pictures and Booty music videos, of some of our present entertainers is a bad remix of an old Past-time (Ah Look at dat Booty Booty!). I’ll give the youngsters a pass, because they were just babies back then…but JLo, girl you know better!  As a matter of fact, someone ought to send Uncle Luke and ‘em a thank you note, for opening the door to make “the booty” an acceptable & news worthy piece for discussion.

So WHY is K.K.’s booty, BREAKING NEWS? And why did they actually suggest that her butt would #breaktheinternet? What’s the message? What have we really learned? That K.K., has a 'big ole butt!' Ah Yeah!

The subtle messaging of #breaktheinternet with your booty is disturbing. What are really telling people? If you want to be front cover magazine worthy and able to #breaktheinternet, than this is the way to do it, this is what it takes: Shave/wax all your groin hair. Enlarge Your breast. Have someone adjust your butt so it pops off the page…and one can #breaktheinternet. Toss out education. Disregard common sense. Never-mind fighting for justice. You don’t have to have any moral compass. You don’t need to stand for anything, just stand naked in front of a camera with a lot of shine juice on your surgically altered figure…and this is the way to#breaktheinternet! Don’t waste your time paying attention to the REAL issues of the WORLD; focus your time and energy on perfecting your Booty, because that is what will #breakstheinternet. Oh, and by the way, Mother’s…don’t teach your girls to READ, or study S.T.E.M. because that will not get them a Front Cover spread and certainly won't #Breaktheinternet….because your daughters real success is in her Booty. Fathers don’t waste your time teaching your sons to find a wife that has some sense…because she is less likely to be magazine front cover worthy…and Gosh, let’s be honest, when was the last time an intelligent woman was able to #breaktheinternet?!  And LADIES, the heck with DIGNITY, don’t preserve anything. BARE ALL to the world, because somehow zillions of people, you DON’T know, have earned the right to see your tits, tail and tootsie role … Women, this is your real life achievement, #breaktheinterent with your booty! Women, this is your real power. This is your real influence in the world. If you want to be someone who can #breaktheinternet? ‘pop that booty booty’…because Your real Voice is, Your booty Talk! Your booty is all that you have going for you, that can actually #breaktheinternet.

We are in a dangerous space if our great aspiration to #Breaktheinternet, is based on our butts. PLEASE Don’t fall for the okie doke or the Booty Politrics…you’re more than the butt you’re sitting on!

p.s. did you hear, solange just broke the internet too with her wedding pictures! LOL hilarious.

 

The reason Why I Sing!

Im a Preacher, Writer, Speaker...Bold, Courageous and Fierce...because of women like Dr. Maya Angelou, who inspired the Lioness in me to Roar! Legacy is left by those who dare to BE ALL THAT GOD HAS CREATED IN THEM, PHENOMENALLY!



dr. juju

Open The Sky! My Weekend @ Dancer In Me 2014!

'God We Are Ready

We Need a Blessing Crack the Sky'

These are the opening lyrics to Lamar Campbell's new title track "Open the Sky", which by the way was the theme of the 4th Annual Dancer In Me conference! I'm tickled pink proud of my friend and sister-in-ministry Rev. Stephanie Butler Adams, for executing the Vision God has given her for this kind of conference, PAR EXCELLENCE!

Over 300 Men, Women and Children registered and attended this Life Changing event! For three days we focused on preparing our Hearts, Minds, Bodies, the Dance, the Music and the Worship for the kind of Encounter with God, that moves the Heaven's to OPEN UP!

And because we sought HIS Face, God Showed us his Glory...from Thursday night's opening liturgical Dance presentations and powerful preaching, thru the 90 classes available for the Musician, Worship Leader, Liturgical Dancer, Flag & Banner Pageantry and Prayer Warriors, to the phenomenal closing worship and class demonstrations on Saturday.

As we had hoped, but could not have planned...there were those EXTREMELY Glorious moments that will forever remain historical in the hearts of those who were in the room:

First, Friday night's Book Reading and Signing! After several years of work, Rev Stephanie Butler-Adams introduced to the word her latest work "The Dancer in Me!" A story about a little girl named Nell who is a bright, spunky little girl. She has big dreams of being a star performer, but awkwardness and fear keep her secret love of dance locked safely inside of her very vivid imagination. One night, with the help of some creative angels and a little encouragement from above, Nell discovers her true potential and purpose through an unexpected gift! THE DANCER IN ME is a fun read with unpredictable vocabulary that invites every reader to discover the wonder of their worth.Colorfully unique illustrations draw the reader in, and bring Nell's story to life! (Shout-Out to Kitamu, the Illustrator) ORDER on Amazon today!

The second, Extremely Glorious moment, followed the liturgical presentation by Victory Praise Dancers. These young ladies, tore us up, I'm getting chills just recapping it...as a result of their Openness to GOD, the LORD OPENED Heaven and POURED on us his Shekinah Glory. The alter was full of Children, weeping before God. But that's not all, grown Men and Women...were also at their seats or standing and weeping. We will never be the same again, nor be able to recapture that moment again...it was a DIVINE Visitation.

The third, Extremely Glorious moment, were the history makers in the room..Ife and Genesis, the first ever (in the history of the Dancer In Me conference) Youth teachers. Ife, 8 and Genesis, 12 taught their class with Confidence, Clarity and Holy Ghost Conviction. In the words of Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, who was also present, "The Gospel is Safe, in the hands of these children." We often worry about our future...but if these two young ladies are any indication (and they are) of what God has for this upcoming Generation...then "the Gospel is safe!".

Another final HIGHLIGHT that I can't get away from, were the SKY KIDS! Yes, kids who had spent three months rehearsing with Rev. Stephanie and her team. I don't know the exact count, but I would guesstimate there were over 150 kids who were part of the conference! YES over 150!!!! Rev. Stephanie heard the Lord say 'Pour Into the Children' and she did, and GOD POURED OUT FROM HEAVEN...Blessings we had not room to receive!

Lamar Campbell, along with Minister Donald Taylor and One Voice choir...took the singing to another level...and when he closed the night with his song, OPEN THE SKY, the saints were ready! We were all Ready for Open Skies! This too you can purchase on Amazon today!

I can't tell it all in this short blog...but here is what I can say... In 2015 you don't want to miss this Conference. Its not just for Dancers...but anyone with a heart for God! 2015 will be the 5th Annual Dancer In Me Conference, and I'm claiming 500 registrants in year 5, 2015!

Check out my girl at www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com for more details and info for next year!! 

Here is a lil fun clip of what you missed! (Adrian Dunn w/ SkyKids Choir)

Singing "Hallelujah, OOh, Oooh, Ooh!" ...sorry for the sideways view

Your Girl,
Rev. Dr. Juju

Book Review - The President's Devotional, By Joshua Dubois

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting an intimate book signing with Joshua Dubois on The President's Devotional, at the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement.


Joshua took time to share with us some insights on his time serving with the POTUS. His ability to draw the listener in, really made us all feel like we were transported to the White House and able to feel the moment as if we were there.

Someone asked me, "is this just another devotional?" I emphatically responded, "NO, this is NOT, just another devotional!" While there are some familiar components, like the 365 days breakdown, scripture, reflection and prayer...the UNIQUE aspect is its ability to bring to light a very human & heart-felt view of the White House.

The President's Devotional is also filled with awesome quotes and excerpts from other notable persons. Quotes I do plan to use in future Sermons and Bible Study!!! We also found out that Joshua is not just the Faith-Based guy and Author but he is also quite the Preacher, and it comes across so eloquently in his written words but also when he shares his stories! For the preachers in the room yesterday, we all agreed "This stuff will Preach!" LOL

If you haven't purchased your copy, do so today!It's worth every dime...

Dr. Juju