I got on the elevator at work about an hour ago and bumped into this guy that I see from time to time. He said Happy New Year Brotha? I said same to you. He then asked, "Did you do anything interesting?" Before I could even think about it I said brother I made it. He stared at me with hesitation and said, "That is really interesting" (looking really strange and hesitant). I further explained to him that I am so glad to be here (in 08) that I am somewhat beside myself.
As I was exiting the elevator he continued to stare and looked as if he was just hit with a reality that we all need every now and then! All the whistles are put away. The confetti is cleaned up and flushed. Some of you partied like rock star, while other's thanked God and shouted the welcoming of the New Year in.
My question is, have we forgotten about how wonderful it is to see this brand new year only a few weeks in to it? Top stories such as B Obama win in Iowa, New Hampshire Caucus, Redskins, etc… can really cause us to forget just like that.
I have a folks in my family who did not make it to see 2008 (my grandmother aka my mom- RIP); those who have deformities (my maternal mother); those with drug and alcohol addictions and the likes; each time I reflect on these lives whom I love very much I'm reminded that I am free from all of these issues of death, sickness, and dis-ease. The next thing that happens after my moments of reflection is the Spirit of Praise overwhelms me, not in a shout you'll but in action!
I know this may seem taboo to some and I hear your questions already such as, how can one get excited when their own mother has a born deformity plus their Big Momma dead you'll? My question is, why not get excited and rejoice and again I say rejoice! My mother tells me often, "I am glad you were not born with this disorder," My grandmother would say to me Darrin preach His words! And this is why I go to the nations, number one I can and number two I am thankful.
So we as Christians do not behave as the Mormon, Jehovah Witness, or the Catholic and give because we attempt to earn salvation or points with God; instead we give because we have salvation!
In 08 I dare you to still be saying in March Happy New Year! Say it to someone in June -Happy New Year! You will be threatening yourself to be institutionalized because that fact of the matter is, just as sure as children rejoiced over their gifts for Christmas, by time school returns the excitement wears off.
Don't forget there is nothing better than to have chance. 2008- If you are reading this, you are included in the many names that have that forever fleeing time called second, third, and God only knows how many chances we have…
Clarity Disclaimer --in case you don't know:
Jehovah Witnesses: I care about their souls seriously. My dad is an Elder of the Watch Tower Society and has been for over 25 years. He is individually responsible for planting many, many Kingdom Halls throughout Central America and Asia.
Mormons: My son plays basketball for one of the Maryland Mormon groups each summer and these folks over there are really nice people with really big hearts for youth. I enjoy these people each time we hang out.
Catholics: I attended Catholics schools for all of my first schooling years, plus my Undergraduate Degree is from a private Catholic University with monks and all. Catholics provide most of our hospitals, schools, and humanitarian aid throughout the world and as for Christians, no other organization on the books gives more services then the Catholic denomination.
My point is narrow and I think you understand.
Love/darrin carter
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