Dear Loretta--
This communication arises from the Missouri judiciary's involvement with two African Americans, Heather Ellis of Kennett, Dunklin County,Missouri, http://www.semissourian.com/story/1588987.html and Charles (Cookie) Thornton of Kirkwood, St, Louis County, Missouri, http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2008/02/charles_cookie_thornton_meacha.php and nameless others.
1 Corinthians 7 says in part:
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
Several years ago, I used this text to preach a sermon entitled "Stay in Your Lane."
I write to you, because few among us understand the interface between the law of God and the law of man, and the importance of our interface, as lawyers-juris doctors, between both.
Several things are converging, which afford an opportunity for us to leave a loving, if not lasting, legacy on the practice of law, civil and criminal, in Missouri and beyond.
I will be in St. Louis for Thanksgiving. The day after, I would propose a meeting somewhere: home, library, church, school, office to explore these opportunities with kindred spirits. A similar meeting will also be held in KC next month.
Do you have any suggestions?
Presently, I envision establishing a statewide organization of "righteous" lawyers/juris doctors--i.e. those who practice the "interface," above-referenced, in order to more perfectly inseminate law and equity: civil and criminal procedure, and trial and appellate practice, with that primordial divine "interface," which we frequently honor in form though not in substance.
Otherwise stated, the practice of law and the administration of justice might be improved by intercession of the righteous who fear God more than man. Then, those "holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof" may be identified, and "from these also turn away." 2 Tim.3:5. Dispararity and hypocrisy are their stock in trade. "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." Matt. 15:8.
I state "juris doctors," because we need help on every level and persons without law licenses can also be "righteous" and of value to all. Self-segregation is not an option at this time. The righteous are within and without the fold of licensees.
A mutual acquaintance in St. Louis of great spirit and resourcefulness is also being sent this communication to expedite realization of the aforesaid ends. Others, whose opinions I value, have also been bcc'd, and implicitly invited to share.
Much Love,
Rev. Dr. Larry Delano Coleman
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Heather Ellis' symbol and sacrifice in Missouri
Dear Loretta--
Thanks for sharing.
Ms. Heather Ellis' bravery and plea exposed much about Missouri, even as it spared Missouri national disgrace.
First, her bravery and plea exposed the enduring legacy of racial animosity in Missouri's boothell (sic). It is, after all, south of Cape Girardeau, home of Rush--quiet as a mouse about this case--Limbaugh. The Walmart manager should've simply opened another register and cashiered Heather or the white girl, who first cut in line, separately. Numb skull or racist? Walmart's lines are too long, and too slow, notoriously,--hmm, I feel a premises liability theory evolving!
I was struck by the "Memphis SCLC" banner on the Dunklin County Circuit Court house steps in one published photograph. Were there no Missouri-based SCLC or NAACP presence? Their apparent absence exposes their weakness or diffidence, or both, in this still oppressed region of our state. They could've realized a public relations coup, as did Dr. Boyce Watkins, who attended and organized a rally, supporting Heather Ellis. Watkins is founder of the Syracuse, N.Y.-based Your Black World Coalition.
I was saddened by the fact that no black lawyers came to her aid, despite notice having been sent by me to three former presidents of the Mound City Bar Association. Are there any black lawyers practicing in Southeast Missouri? That's an indictment by itself on the quality of justice in Southeast Missouri (and Southwest) Missouri--all Missouri. As black lawyers, we should be embarrassed by this deficiency and impelled to seek remediation, somehow. This, too, falls under the heading of "exposure." This rings especially true for the National Bar Association, whose President is a St. Louisian.
I was heartened by the fact that at least one lawyer--of any stripe--stepped up to the plate, on behalf of Ms. Ellis, Mr. Scott Rosenblum, a criminal defense lawyer from St. Louis. I've sent him a thank you note. He "spared" Ms. Ellis.
Perhaps the over-arching lesson to be drawn is making a mountain out of a mole hill is impracticable for all concerned. Ms. Ellis' father, Rev. Nathaniel Ellis, a Church of God in Christ pastor, is reputed to have taught her to never admit guilt, when she is innocent of something. This is good advice in a vacuum. However, as ensuing events reflect, justice is a multifaceted gem. My plane may not be your plane, nor your facet my facet. It also shows the truth of Jesus' teaching to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's. << Mark 12:17 >>
Jesus, too, was pragmatic at times.
Unto everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the sun. Eccl. 3:1.
Very Much Love,
Larry Delano Coleman, Esq.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lmoorekc@aol.com
To: daryl89@sbcglobal.net; jehank@sbcglobal.net; Jorymetcalf@aol.com; ashenafi8660@att.net; LCole81937@aol.com
Sent: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 7:29 pm
Subject: Plea Bargained - Probably the best Outcome
Walmart defendant fate rests with jury
BY JIM SALTER
ASSOCIATED PRESS
11/20/2009
Updated: 7:10 p.m.
KENNETT, Mo. -- With a jury still deliberating her fate, Heather Ellis made a surprise deal with prosecutors this evening that would spare her a possible felony conviction for a melee with police after a disturbance at a Walmart store here in 2007.
The family of Ellis, 24, who is black, had claimed she was the victim of discrimination by store employees and police, although defense lawyer Scott Rosenblum never made that claim during the three-day trial.
Ellis, a high school teacher who was raised in this Bootheel community but now lives in Lousiana, had previously rejected plea offers and insisted she would risk a felony conviction and possible prison sentence to make her point.
Under the terms worked out with special prosecutor Morley Swingle, she pleaded guilty of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors, in exchange for the dropping of felony charges of assaulting police.
She received a suspended imposition of sentence, which will clear her record if she successfully meets terms that include four days in county jail, one year of unsupervised probation and attendance of anger management classes.
The jury of 10 whites and two blacks was sent home after 2-1/2 hours of deliberations.
Officials claimed Ellis caused a disturbance in a dispute over who should be next in a checkout line, and that she kicked and punched police who first gave her an opportunity to just leave.
Loretta
Prayer is the most powerful method of communication.
Thanks for sharing.
Ms. Heather Ellis' bravery and plea exposed much about Missouri, even as it spared Missouri national disgrace.
First, her bravery and plea exposed the enduring legacy of racial animosity in Missouri's boothell (sic). It is, after all, south of Cape Girardeau, home of Rush--quiet as a mouse about this case--Limbaugh. The Walmart manager should've simply opened another register and cashiered Heather or the white girl, who first cut in line, separately. Numb skull or racist? Walmart's lines are too long, and too slow, notoriously,--hmm, I feel a premises liability theory evolving!
I was struck by the "Memphis SCLC" banner on the Dunklin County Circuit Court house steps in one published photograph. Were there no Missouri-based SCLC or NAACP presence? Their apparent absence exposes their weakness or diffidence, or both, in this still oppressed region of our state. They could've realized a public relations coup, as did Dr. Boyce Watkins, who attended and organized a rally, supporting Heather Ellis. Watkins is founder of the Syracuse, N.Y.-based Your Black World Coalition.
I was saddened by the fact that no black lawyers came to her aid, despite notice having been sent by me to three former presidents of the Mound City Bar Association. Are there any black lawyers practicing in Southeast Missouri? That's an indictment by itself on the quality of justice in Southeast Missouri (and Southwest) Missouri--all Missouri. As black lawyers, we should be embarrassed by this deficiency and impelled to seek remediation, somehow. This, too, falls under the heading of "exposure." This rings especially true for the National Bar Association, whose President is a St. Louisian.
I was heartened by the fact that at least one lawyer--of any stripe--stepped up to the plate, on behalf of Ms. Ellis, Mr. Scott Rosenblum, a criminal defense lawyer from St. Louis. I've sent him a thank you note. He "spared" Ms. Ellis.
Perhaps the over-arching lesson to be drawn is making a mountain out of a mole hill is impracticable for all concerned. Ms. Ellis' father, Rev. Nathaniel Ellis, a Church of God in Christ pastor, is reputed to have taught her to never admit guilt, when she is innocent of something. This is good advice in a vacuum. However, as ensuing events reflect, justice is a multifaceted gem. My plane may not be your plane, nor your facet my facet. It also shows the truth of Jesus' teaching to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's. << Mark 12:17 >>
Jesus, too, was pragmatic at times.
Unto everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the sun. Eccl. 3:1.
Very Much Love,
Larry Delano Coleman, Esq.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lmoorekc@aol.com
To: daryl89@sbcglobal.net; jehank@sbcglobal.net; Jorymetcalf@aol.com; ashenafi8660@att.net; LCole81937@aol.com
Sent: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 7:29 pm
Subject: Plea Bargained - Probably the best Outcome
Walmart defendant fate rests with jury
BY JIM SALTER
ASSOCIATED PRESS
11/20/2009
Updated: 7:10 p.m.
KENNETT, Mo. -- With a jury still deliberating her fate, Heather Ellis made a surprise deal with prosecutors this evening that would spare her a possible felony conviction for a melee with police after a disturbance at a Walmart store here in 2007.
The family of Ellis, 24, who is black, had claimed she was the victim of discrimination by store employees and police, although defense lawyer Scott Rosenblum never made that claim during the three-day trial.
Ellis, a high school teacher who was raised in this Bootheel community but now lives in Lousiana, had previously rejected plea offers and insisted she would risk a felony conviction and possible prison sentence to make her point.
Under the terms worked out with special prosecutor Morley Swingle, she pleaded guilty of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors, in exchange for the dropping of felony charges of assaulting police.
She received a suspended imposition of sentence, which will clear her record if she successfully meets terms that include four days in county jail, one year of unsupervised probation and attendance of anger management classes.
The jury of 10 whites and two blacks was sent home after 2-1/2 hours of deliberations.
Officials claimed Ellis caused a disturbance in a dispute over who should be next in a checkout line, and that she kicked and punched police who first gave her an opportunity to just leave.
Loretta
Prayer is the most powerful method of communication.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
God's Grace is Universal
We, many Christians, would make Jesus exclusively our own, i.e., Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.(Acts 4:12).
Then, having eliminated all other possibilities, other than Jesus, certain of us further limit the characteristics of those who can or will be saved by Jesus, until no one will be, except the speaker. Grace defies ownership or entitlement by man, any man. It is the gift of God. Ephesians 6:8
King James Bible
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Jesus was not so doctrinaire, nor discriminating, as we would have him be. His disciples were. But, what did they know? When others were casting out devils in Jesus name who were not of them, Jesus said forbid them not for those who are not against us are for us. Luke 9:50--
King James Bible
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Fortunately, Jesus said I have a flock not of this fold. In John 10:16, he said:
English Revised Version
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd.
I do not mean to be disagreeable, but I have always taken pointed exception to those who would narrow the scope of God's grace, by constricting the fullness of his word. Even so, the contrary view is decidedly the majority view in Christendom. Mine is the decided minority.
Then, having eliminated all other possibilities, other than Jesus, certain of us further limit the characteristics of those who can or will be saved by Jesus, until no one will be, except the speaker. Grace defies ownership or entitlement by man, any man. It is the gift of God. Ephesians 6:8
King James Bible
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Jesus was not so doctrinaire, nor discriminating, as we would have him be. His disciples were. But, what did they know? When others were casting out devils in Jesus name who were not of them, Jesus said forbid them not for those who are not against us are for us. Luke 9:50--
King James Bible
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Fortunately, Jesus said I have a flock not of this fold. In John 10:16, he said:
English Revised Version
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd.
I do not mean to be disagreeable, but I have always taken pointed exception to those who would narrow the scope of God's grace, by constricting the fullness of his word. Even so, the contrary view is decidedly the majority view in Christendom. Mine is the decided minority.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Probing Questions for Psychiatrists
Dear Dr. Jerry Bobo and Dr. Nicodemus Watts--
I greatly enjoyed your probing psychiatric presentation on August 2, 2009, in San Diego, California, during the National Bar Association, which dealt with "Depression and the Black Lawyer."
I had indicated that I would write to you, rather than burden you with further questions. Hopefully, you've not completely forgotten me or our conversation.
During your seminar, I inquired whether either of you had read BLACK RAGE, by Grier and Cobb, black psychiatrists, or WRETCHED OF THE EARTH, or BLACK SKIN/WHITE MASKS by Franz Fanon, a black psychiatrist from Martinique.
I do not now recall your responses. My point was that multigenerational environmental racism affects our people deleteriously, (and epigenetically), I suspect, in every realm.
While writing this email, I was fortunate to run across a book, which further ties law and psychiatry together, by a California lawyer named Paul Harris. His vital book is entitled BLACK RAGE CONFRONTS THE LAW http://www.guerrillalaw.com/blackrage.html. Mr. Harris is a white law professor at New College in San Francisco. http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9780814735923
Perhaps, his book may prove to be as valuable to you as it promises to be to me. I've already ordered it.
The real question I have for you is this: Is the "mind" in the brain or in the heart or some combination of the two or neither? I ask this, because I note that the word "brain" does not appear in the
Bible, while the word "heart" is fairly ubiquitous. Implicit in my question is whether there is necessarily antipathy between psychiatry and theology? Being an AME preacher, I'd like to know.
I am sharing this communication with Attorney Kamau King, President of the Men's Task Force, National Bar Association, whose prescience facilitated your presentation at our convention.
Respectfully,
Larry Delano Coleman, Esq.
Kansas City, Missouri
I greatly enjoyed your probing psychiatric presentation on August 2, 2009, in San Diego, California, during the National Bar Association, which dealt with "Depression and the Black Lawyer."
I had indicated that I would write to you, rather than burden you with further questions. Hopefully, you've not completely forgotten me or our conversation.
During your seminar, I inquired whether either of you had read BLACK RAGE, by Grier and Cobb, black psychiatrists, or WRETCHED OF THE EARTH, or BLACK SKIN/WHITE MASKS by Franz Fanon, a black psychiatrist from Martinique.
I do not now recall your responses. My point was that multigenerational environmental racism affects our people deleteriously, (and epigenetically), I suspect, in every realm.
While writing this email, I was fortunate to run across a book, which further ties law and psychiatry together, by a California lawyer named Paul Harris. His vital book is entitled BLACK RAGE CONFRONTS THE LAW http://www.guerrillalaw.com/blackrage.html. Mr. Harris is a white law professor at New College in San Francisco. http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9780814735923
Perhaps, his book may prove to be as valuable to you as it promises to be to me. I've already ordered it.
The real question I have for you is this: Is the "mind" in the brain or in the heart or some combination of the two or neither? I ask this, because I note that the word "brain" does not appear in the
Bible, while the word "heart" is fairly ubiquitous. Implicit in my question is whether there is necessarily antipathy between psychiatry and theology? Being an AME preacher, I'd like to know.
I am sharing this communication with Attorney Kamau King, President of the Men's Task Force, National Bar Association, whose prescience facilitated your presentation at our convention.
Respectfully,
Larry Delano Coleman, Esq.
Kansas City, Missouri
Sunday, November 8, 2009
REVIVED LAWYER’S CREED
REVIVED LAWYER’S CREED
Isaiah 33:22 (New International Version)
22 For the LORD is our judge,
the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king;
it is he who will save us.
(GOD IS SUPERIOR TO ARTICLE 1, 2, OR 3 OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION)
Psalm 19 (New International Version)
Psalm 19
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 1 (New International Version)
Psalm 1
BOOK I : Psalms 1-41
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 119 (English Standard Version)
Psalm 119
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Gimel
17(W) Deal bountifully with your servant,
(X) that I may live and keep your word.18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.19I am(Y) a sojourner on the earth;
(Z) hide not your commandments from me!20My soul is consumed with(AA) longing
for your rules[d] at all times.21You rebuke(AB) the insolent,(AC) accursed ones,
who(AD) wander from your commandments.22Take away from me(AE) scorn and contempt,
(AF) for I have kept your testimonies.23Even though(AG) princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will(AH) meditate on your statutes.24Your testimonies are my(AI) delight;
they are my(AJ) counselors.
Daleth
25(AK) My soul clings to the dust;
(AL) give me life(AM) according to your word!26When(AN) I told of my ways, you answered me;
(AO) teach me your statutes!27(AP) Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will(AQ) meditate on your wondrous works.28(AR) My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!29Put false ways far from me
and graciously(AS) teach me your law!30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I(AT) set your rules before me.31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
(AU) let me not be put to shame!32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you(AV) enlarge my heart![e]
He
33(AW) Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it(AX) to the end.[f]34(AY) Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.35(AZ) Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I(BA) delight in it.36(BB) Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to(BC) selfish gain!37(BD) Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and(BE) give me life in your ways.38(BF) Confirm to your servant your promise,
(BG) that you may be feared.39Turn away the(BH) reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.40Behold, I(BI) long for your precepts;
(BJ) in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41Let your(BK) steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation(BL) according to your promise;42then(BM) shall I have an answer for him(BN) who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my(BO) hope is in your rules.44I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,45and I shall walk(BP) in a wide place,
for I have(BQ) sought your precepts.46I will also speak of your testimonies(BR) before kings
and shall not be put to shame,47for I(BS) find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.48I will(BT) lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will(BU) meditate on your statutes.
Proverbs 9 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 9
The Way of Wisdom
7Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.8(R) Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
(S) reprove a wise man, and he will love you.9Give instruction[b] to a wise man, and he will be(T) still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will(U) increase in learning.10(V) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and(W) the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.11For by me(X) your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.12(Y) If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (King James Version)
17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Isaiah 33:22 (New International Version)
22 For the LORD is our judge,
the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king;
it is he who will save us.
(GOD IS SUPERIOR TO ARTICLE 1, 2, OR 3 OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION)
Psalm 19 (New International Version)
Psalm 19
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 1 (New International Version)
Psalm 1
BOOK I : Psalms 1-41
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 119 (English Standard Version)
Psalm 119
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Gimel
17(W) Deal bountifully with your servant,
(X) that I may live and keep your word.18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.19I am(Y) a sojourner on the earth;
(Z) hide not your commandments from me!20My soul is consumed with(AA) longing
for your rules[d] at all times.21You rebuke(AB) the insolent,(AC) accursed ones,
who(AD) wander from your commandments.22Take away from me(AE) scorn and contempt,
(AF) for I have kept your testimonies.23Even though(AG) princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will(AH) meditate on your statutes.24Your testimonies are my(AI) delight;
they are my(AJ) counselors.
Daleth
25(AK) My soul clings to the dust;
(AL) give me life(AM) according to your word!26When(AN) I told of my ways, you answered me;
(AO) teach me your statutes!27(AP) Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will(AQ) meditate on your wondrous works.28(AR) My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!29Put false ways far from me
and graciously(AS) teach me your law!30I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I(AT) set your rules before me.31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
(AU) let me not be put to shame!32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you(AV) enlarge my heart![e]
He
33(AW) Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it(AX) to the end.[f]34(AY) Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.35(AZ) Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I(BA) delight in it.36(BB) Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to(BC) selfish gain!37(BD) Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and(BE) give me life in your ways.38(BF) Confirm to your servant your promise,
(BG) that you may be feared.39Turn away the(BH) reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.40Behold, I(BI) long for your precepts;
(BJ) in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41Let your(BK) steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation(BL) according to your promise;42then(BM) shall I have an answer for him(BN) who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my(BO) hope is in your rules.44I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,45and I shall walk(BP) in a wide place,
for I have(BQ) sought your precepts.46I will also speak of your testimonies(BR) before kings
and shall not be put to shame,47for I(BS) find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.48I will(BT) lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will(BU) meditate on your statutes.
Proverbs 9 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 9
The Way of Wisdom
7Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.8(R) Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
(S) reprove a wise man, and he will love you.9Give instruction[b] to a wise man, and he will be(T) still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will(U) increase in learning.10(V) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and(W) the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.11For by me(X) your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.12(Y) If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (King James Version)
17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
La Napa: The Gift of "Good Hair"
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard-pitts/story/1309381.html
This above-linked column by Leonard Pitts, LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT: YOUR HAIR DOESN'T HAVE TO BE, (11/3/2009) caused me to shriek with recognition and to weep with love.
He writes about black women. And their hair, and about Chris Rock's powerful movie, GOOD HAIR. Surely, good hair must be like "Pure wool." Dan. 7:9. http://nasb.scripturetext.com/daniel/7.htm
My wife and I attended the movie on Halloween night: trick or treat? Definitely a treat. I encourage you all to see it! It will righteously stimulate your follicles!
The last three paragraphs of his column rank with any hymn to love ever written to any woman by any man at any time or place. It hit me in my solar plexus, and made me sputter, because I know, recognize, love, and revere the beautiful women of which he writes: my wife, my mother, my sisters, my aunts, my cousins, my nieces, and my grandmothers.
We are the only people on the planet with nappy hair. We are also the progenitors of mankind and civilization. Our women, nappy hair and all, are the mothers of all humans. The Spanish have a word for "the gift," entitled "la Napa." So, nappy hair is a "gift" from God, just like its bearer "la Negro," another Spanish word, meaning "black", which comes from its Latin root, "Niger."
This above-linked column by Leonard Pitts, LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT: YOUR HAIR DOESN'T HAVE TO BE, (11/3/2009) caused me to shriek with recognition and to weep with love.
He writes about black women. And their hair, and about Chris Rock's powerful movie, GOOD HAIR. Surely, good hair must be like "Pure wool." Dan. 7:9. http://nasb.scripturetext.com/daniel/7.htm
My wife and I attended the movie on Halloween night: trick or treat? Definitely a treat. I encourage you all to see it! It will righteously stimulate your follicles!
The last three paragraphs of his column rank with any hymn to love ever written to any woman by any man at any time or place. It hit me in my solar plexus, and made me sputter, because I know, recognize, love, and revere the beautiful women of which he writes: my wife, my mother, my sisters, my aunts, my cousins, my nieces, and my grandmothers.
We are the only people on the planet with nappy hair. We are also the progenitors of mankind and civilization. Our women, nappy hair and all, are the mothers of all humans. The Spanish have a word for "the gift," entitled "la Napa." So, nappy hair is a "gift" from God, just like its bearer "la Negro," another Spanish word, meaning "black", which comes from its Latin root, "Niger."
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