Now the real work comes, persons have to get out of their homes to go to their jobs. No excuses! Many stayed home from church yesterday expressing claims of ice and snow. But, "the man" doesn't want to hear any excuses when you want to get paid.
Do you believe that the weather person is correct and that in Baltimore it will snow all day tomorrow? If so are you prepared for the snow? Why does it seem to snow on the weekends and not during the work week? I pray you are ready and that you have made alternate plans. The Ravens have changed the starting time for the game on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. I wonder why? Is it possible that the snow will continue through Sunday afternoon? If so, I wonder how many people will venture out into the weather to make their way to their house of worship? I have a funeral service on Saturday and worship service on Sunday. By God's strength I plan to be at both. Be safe in your travels!
How would you feel if you woke in the morning to leave home and water this high is gushing down the front street of your home? Persons on Argonne Drive had that experience today. Officials say a water main broke. Given the deferred maintenance of our public works system it is surprising that we do not have more of these incidents. No aging city is immune to cracking pipes and utilities. Katrina type occurrences can happen anywhere in America at anytime.
This afternoon in West Baltimore at Union Baptist Church from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. individuals and institutional leaders from the West Baltimore Community of Upton will gather together under the theme, "Reclaiming our Community by Reaching for the Heights of the Promise."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 will be a memorable day in the life of the Hathaway Family. After a long academic journey, Alvin Jr. will be sworn into the Maryland Bar as an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Maryland. The Honorable Robert M. Bell, Chief Judge of the Court of Special Appeals will administer the oath. Judge Robert Bell was the person who encouraged Alvin Jr. to enroll in a double Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor program at West Virginia University School of Law and the School of Business.
Regardless of what you may think about his theology, Dr. Oral Roberts built institutions that will live on and carry out his vision of God's Kingdom. We in ministry have the same challenge to create institutions to carry out the vision God has given to us.
The Senior Choir of Union Baptist Church will present Camille Saint-Saems' "Christmas Oratorio" on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Sanctuary, 1219 Druid Hill Avenue.
Recent news events involving international sports figures, professional football players, local and national political figures causes one to pause and ask the Marvin Gayish question, "What's going on?" Why are we witnessing a period of never ending moral bankruptcy? Why are there so many instances of decadence and deprivation? Are humans destined to failings and flaws?
I have avoided making any reference of the Baltimore Ravens in my daily messages. Professional football is a rough and tough sport. Every situation is potentially a dangerous situation. So many injuries and accidents the league is becoming increasingly focused upon protecting the athletes. Nevertheless, last night's Monday Night Football game begs some attention. As I watched the game I realized that in sports and in life you have to have discipline. Without discipline you are subject to fouls and penalties. In sports as well as in life you need a leader to take charge when you are in difficult situations. Finally in sports and in life your offense and defense must preform at an excellent level. The game of football, as well as, the game of life will be lost when you lack discipline, when you are leaderless, and when you performance is less than excellent. Should the Ravens have taken advantage of the opportunities given to them? Should the referees have been a little more lenient with their calls? All I can say is that in sports and in life you will earn what you get and you will get what you earn. Live life with discipline, understand that God is your leader, and pray that your offense and your defense is sufficient.
Should you have a "real" tree in your home or an artificial tree? Over the years I have gone back and forth in this discussion. The smell of pine is wonderful. The fallen needles all over the floor is awful. The symmetry of a natural tree reminds you of winter's wonder. The looming danger of a fire is fearful. Where do you land? Do you bring a "real" tree into your home each year to decorate with all of your Christmas lights and ornaments? Or, do you bring out the trusty dusty that looks the same, is put together in the same way and decorate it in the same manner. Why don't you take a page from the White House and use a different decorating scheme each year. I tried that but only got as far as changing the color of my light bulbs. Well if Christmas is only about the tree, I'm far from the point. For me Christmas is about seeing the youth perform in our annual Christmas eve celebration. It's about feeding families with Christmas baskets. It's about seeing the joy in children's eyes who are not related to you, but you have partially filled their Christmas list wish. It's about being reminded of the love of God who comes to us in the form of a child. For me Christmas is more about the potential for good and the memories of all that is good. It is greater than a tree either "real" or artificial.
How quickly time moves? The Christmas season is approaching. Right in the midst of a terrible recession the season demands a change in our moods. From sadness to joy, from sorrow to jubilation, from gloom to ecstasy, we feel the need within our spirits to be jolly. It always amazes me when I see the wide array of Christmas lighting to goes on within a community. From the majestic display of the Washington Monument, to the community street lighting of 34th Street in Remington, and to the individual displays on houses throughout the city; we feel the need to light up the exterior spaces, even if the interior space begs to differ. Nevertheless, we are to praise God in all things and at all times. What time is it? This is the time to remember the joy of a new born baby entering into the world as our Savior. What time is it? This is the time to enjoy the blessings you have and are receiving. What time is it? This is the time to thank God from whom all blessing flow. The Christmas season is a wonderful time to be alive and full of hope.
50 of South Africa's finest tennis players will worship at Union Baptist Church on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. These young tennis players are 13 years and younger. We are excited to welcome them. They are led by Mr. Louis Bolling, a member of our church. International travel is a worthwhile educational experience. As these young people interact with our youth, relationships will develop that are lasting and that will expand the horizons of friendship across the Atlantic Ocean. An invitation is extended to my Face Book Family to join in this experience.
One must recognize that our system of justice is all we have to determine what behavior is or is not according to the law. Our society would disintegrate if there was not such a system of justice. It is comforting to know that the pendulum of justice swings both ways. It is a time honored creed that justice is blind. For those of us within the African American community who have suffered at the hands of justice that on its surface seemed tilted against us, we can only hang our heads in shame that a sister who rose from the very depths of our community, who understood the pain and pathos of our community; now find herself going to bed tonight with a conviction of a misdemeanor crime. How unfortunate we are because to create a Mayor of a City such as Baltimore takes at a minimum 15 years of service. It requires a graduate education and a life long commitment to service. One must expose themselves to the public scrutiny that few survive to commit to a process of distributing limited public resources on behalf of people. Along the way you seek to assist those your know and those you care for. Mayor Shelia Dixon's story is a tragic one. It is a story that is repeated throughout Baltimore - promise shot down too soon. Mahatma Gandhi said it long ago, "public service mandates public accountability." As we discuss and critique our Mayor, may we all know that "he who is without sin, let them cast the first stone." My prayers are for her and her family as they reestablish there lives within Baltimore City.
How many people are still eating turkey? I like turkey salad. I like turkey with gravy. I like turkey sandwiches. I like turkey. President Obama gave the traditional pardon to a turkey, but all of his cousins and relatives didn't get any breaks. I wonder how much turkey is consumed on Thanksgiving? Well, I pray every one's holiday was enjoyable and that you experienced the peace and presence of family and friends.
One of the issues brewing as the Maryland State Legislature prepares to return to session after the holidays is a bill that would permit wineries to ship wine directly to consumers. Maryland is one of a few states that doesn't permit direct shipping. As a result Marylanders have to go to a retailer who has bought the wine from a wholesaler to pick up their favorite blend of grapes.
How many persons remember 1984 when we where excited about Rev. Jesse Jackson's run for the Presidency? I was in this room in Washington. D.C. when the announcement was made. After a closed door meeting in Atlanta the day before where African American leaders were meeting to decision who would run; the Rev. Jackson steps out of the room to waiting media to announce that he would run. To everyone surprise Rev. Jackson became the candidate because he was bold enough to say, "I will run." At that time, only Marion Berry had the infrastructure to run a national campaign. Hence we came to know Ivanhoe Donaldson and Donna Brazile. Mr. Donaldson later ran into difficulties. But, Ms. Brazile has gone on to a successful career as a political consultant and media personality. At 19 years old, she was one of the key organizers of the 1983 March on Washington where Stevie Wonder released, "Happy Birthday" in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Those where some bold days that helped usher in this period of "Hope." Let's not blow this wonderful opportunity to put in place a national structure for running and supporting candidates of good will.
When will the light bulb click on and people come to realize that honesty is the beat policy. Two many people in positions of responsibility are squandering their moral character over tawdry incidents of indiscretion. From Big City Mayors to Congress persons to government workers, the front news is filled with legal maneuvering among defense and prosecutors making charges and counter charges. The general public is left with a sense that the moral character of our countries leaders are weak. How does one stand for righteousness, if you are dodging accusations of wrong doing? What examples do youth have to follow when public officials have to walk around with the proverbial egg on their faces? Whether on a national, state or local level far too many persons are being haul into a court of justice to answer for actions done in the dark shadows of their lives. When will people learn that they have to live in the light of the day. When will people learn what my mother use to say, "what is done in the dark will come to the light."
The Pastors, Churches and Institutions within the Upton Community of West Baltimore are planning a major Christmas Basket program. Church leaders will gather at Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Avenue on Wednesday, December 17th from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. to preach the Good News from the theme, "Reclaiming Our Community by Reaching the Heights of the Promise."
Here is a hot question, should the President have bowed to the Japan's Emperor Akihito? Critics are suggesting it a sign of weakness. Others are saying its a sign of respect. For those who have traveled to the Far East would clearly understand that in their culture the younger bows to the older as a sign of respect. Within our culture we have lost the value of respect that's why men don't tip their hats to women, that's why youth don't help seniors across the street, and that's why people are killing each other.
Just a note of congratulations to my son, Alvin Hathaway, Jr., who passed the Maryland State Bar. He is now eligible to be admitted to legal practice in Maryland which is in the 4th Circuit of the U. S. Court of Appeals.
My prayers go out to both of these distinguished African American Men who make us proud as our ambassadors for righteousness within the judicial system.
Just a shout out to Brother Geoffrey Canada for the successful conference this past weekend highlighting the efforts and successes of the Harlem Children's Zone in New York. What is interesting to note is the commitment of many partners to eliminate the conditions that inhibit success for children and families and to not accept failure of any child in their academic or career pursuit. They have redefined the concept of wrap-around services to include every individual that the program touches receives the assistance they need to make it in our society. The challenge to communities such as Baltimore is to generate the political will to tackle a neighborhood with the holistic perspective of bringing overwhelming force to eliminate slum blight, low test scores, health disparities, and inequality in any form. Several communities are completing for this distinction. Some of the communities who are seeking to position itself as a "Promise Neighborhood" have had many attempts in the past to reverse the trends. I'm advocating and working for the Upton Community to become the "Promise Neighborhood" because of the tremendous assets contained within this historic West Baltimore Community: world class medical institutions, historic churches, state agencies, and its proximity to downtown Baltimore. Furthermore, all of the negative social indicators are present within this community. Yet, it has a network of schools to build upon and a community of interested and committed community leaders.
Does anyone remember the soulful sounds of Grover Washington? When the weekend came his sound ushered in the merriment of a house party with your friends.
Instability of the mind and the pressures of our society are leading people to do inhumane things to other people. Senseless killing is a shock to our cultural norm. We are shocked by the public outbreaks of mass murders.
What if you went to sleep one night and then woke up the next morning and the President of the United States was Michael Steele? That is a daunting thought! Just offered this blog because sometimes you just need to laugh out loud.
Does anyone recognize this city? Hint: The twins towers was featured in the movie, "Entrapment" starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Second hint: It is not in America.
Why do we have to make a choice between the two producers? Why does one have to be critical of the other? Why can't we just get along?
I must commend Rev. Bernice King for stepping up to the plate as the new President of SCLC. Her challenge will be to chart her own course and develop a relationship with the everyday people of America.
This is a picture of the Turkish air force, similar to our Blue Angels. This formation mimics the flight pattern of birds as they migrate south for the winter. It's a formation where the lead breaks the wind force barrier thus permitting those behind to be able to fly with less resistance. When birds use this formation the lead flies until he is tired and then falls back and another takes the point position. By working together they are able to accomplish more than they would if they worked separately.
On my way to a church meeting I'm praising God now for what he has done, is doing, and will do!
Just thinking about how one protects their home. There was a time when we would say that "your home is your castle." Castles were protected by cannons and high walls. How do you protect your castle? In other words how do you protect your home? Locking doors, burglar alarm system, mean dog, or a trusted Smith & Wesson.
Today the reality of H1N1 hit home as our church took to his final rest a 21 yr old African American Male. The seriousness of this new disease has made its way into the home of one of the members of our community. The young man was good and God fearing. Nevertheless, he was stuck down so early in life. We must be very careful and learn about this and all communicable diseases. We need to take all reasonable precautions. We must learn to live healthy lifestyles.
Breaking news! The Maryland State Governor's Committee on the National Register voted unanimously this morning to have the Union Baptist Church placed on the National Register of Historic Landmark places of the National Park Service. This designation insure that the contributions of Union Baptist Church to African American History in Maryland and the Nation will be forever told. The 157 year old African American Church fellowship built its main sanctuary at 1219 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217. The church structure was designed by internationally and nationally known architect, Mr. William J. Beardsley. In the midst of a "Preserving Our Sacred Space" Campaign, Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr, Senior Pastor, states, "this development enhancing our attempts to obtain federal and state funding for the total restoration of our facility. We envision a visitor's center where people can visit, learn and study the development of a faith community who has focused its ministry on serving people." I believe future generations will come to learn and respect the contributions of outstanding leaders who attended and led our church." This is an outstanding day in the work of the Lord"
Does anyone wake up in the morning and say, "I would like to have some sushi?"
Have we forgotten the awesome struggle people of color waged to end segregation in public schools? If the quest for a quality education is so fused into our DNA; why have we settled for poor schools in either the neighborhoods in which we live or the neighborhoods where we are from. When was the last time you visited a neighborhood school? Are you aware of the conditions students are forced to learn under? I visited a school around the corner from the church where I serve. I was shocked to find out that practically every student in that school was at least a grade level behind in math and reading. Without serious intervention those student will not have a chance in the real world. It would be tragic to sentence a school population to living lives or unfulfilled dreams because their educational preparation was deficient? If our ancestors had to courage to end segregation, then let us muster the courage to end low quality schools!
Just a shout out to my cousin who lives and plays in South Beach Florida - Will Bridges.
