This evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Youth of Union will perform their Annual Christmas Eve Play at 1219 Druid Hill Avenue. The performance last's about one hour. It will feature an original play developed by the youth with costumes. The songs of the season will be sung in the Historic Sanctuary of Union Baptist Church. Together we will share in Holy Communion.
This morning Union Baptist Church distributed 300 food baskets to people within the community. It's an annual tradition that has grown over the past few years. Early in November we collect the names of people who live within the 21217/21201 zip code where our church is located. Yesterday, a team of volunteers packed each of the tree hundred baskets. The packing of the baskets is a joyous period of time as each one of us reflects upon the blessings that God has given us. We also reflect on how good we feel to share a bit of the Christmas spirit with our neighbors within the community.
"I will strengthen you." Isaiah 41:10
Growing up there was an image of "Big Brother" watching your every move, collecting information on everybody, and knowing what you were thinking and doing. It appears that "Biggie is Here." In today's Washington Post is a disturbing article outlining the technology and methods the government is using to track every day Americans under the guise of being potential terrorists. For government to posses this power in an era of political extremism is something to watch. Depending upon who is in political power will determine who is on the watch list. I guess we will just have to be prepared for "Biggie" to watch our every move and to monitor every transaction we make. The old adage is true, "what is done in the dark will come to the light."
If anyone has had problems understanding and reading the Book of Revelation, I recommend that you obtain a copy of the recently released book by Dr. Micheal J. Gorman, my dean at the St. Mary's Seminary, entitled "Reading Revelation Responsibly".
The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings has added another accomplishment to his impressive resume. He was elected by The House Democratic Caucus to be the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee of the House of Representatives.
"Come to me." Matthew 11: 28
Tupac was a very misunderstood poet. His talent was able to take him to heights unknown. His ego distorted his role in society. It is unfortunate that while he wrote and rapped about the streets; he felt he had to live the street life.
Too many of our youth fall victim to street life before they have had the real experience of life. "To do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God."
They go from strength to strength." Psalm 84:7
"salt without prescribing how much." Ezra 7: 22
The story of Rev. Craig Mathies, Sr., being elected to the office of County Commissioner in Somerset County should not be overlooked. He is the first African American elected to an office in Somerset County in over 300 years.
| "Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne,— | |
| Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown, | |
| Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own." |
Ms. Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. Her regal air has commanded the respect of music loving people for decades. We have witnessed her presence throughout her very public career. From the humble beginnings in her father's church she has become an iconic image with international fame. Her private life has been pretty much private. Her public life is known to all. Her refusal to travel by plane, her battles with weight, and her failed attempts at marriage. We know a lot about Aretha Franklin; she belongs to us and is revered by us. Now she faces the battle of her life. Now she needs the support and prayers of all those who have invited her into the private places within their hearts and spirits.
"It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:24
The Dells use to sing a song, "I'm going to open up my heart this morning and see if I can help a friend." Some of you old school people may remember it.
"From your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor." Psalm 68:10
"He chose the lowly things of this world." 1 Corinthians 1: 28
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
"I have many people in this city." Acts 18:10 Scripture reminds us that all the people are God's people. It is an unfortunate reality that we label people or classify them into categories. That's not what God does. He sees people as people and souls that need to be redeemed and saved. Our world and our urban environments would be so fulfilling and the quality of life for all would greatly improve if we understood that all of the people belong to God. If we functioned that way, the resources would not be hoarded by the few. If we governed that way, the benefits would not just accrue to the rich and powerful. If we lived like that, we would participate in God's grand design for His "beloved community." As we move through the Advent Season, we must believe in our hearts that God has many people within the cities of America and the world. People whom God send His Son to save!
Recently The New York Times wrote an article entitled, "A Mission to transform Baltimore's Beaten Schools." It highlights the work of Dr. Alonso. It's an article that was clearly written to propel him onto a national stage. Possibly with the intent to be added to his resume as he is seeking to be courted by other school systems. While Dr. Alonso is a pretty likable guy, there have been some glaring missteps during his tenure that has impacted education within the communities of Baltimore City. I work within the Upton Community and find myself engaged with five schools: Booker T. Washington. Mount Royal, Furman Templeton, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, and Eutaw Marshburn. In the case of Booker T. Washington, there has been six principles within the past six years. In the article I'm quoted as saying that Dr. Alonso brought principals in with impressive creditable, but they don't know the community and in effect are just using GPS systems to find there way. I wish more of my comments could have been included versus a quote. What I said is that new principles were brought in without true community engagement. They were throw into our neighborhoods without any historical information or current information regarding assets. Each operated under the assumption they had to go out and identify community resources; as if they did not already exist. The second observation I made was under Dr. Alonso we have not seen indigenous talent being elevated. We have outstanding schools of higher education that are training local residents to assume positions within our own educational system. I fail to see where Morgan, Coppin, Towson, or Notre Dame graduates are in positions of responsibility with our school system. It appears to me that Dr. Alonso is tilted towards out of state talent versus local talent. The final observation I made was that under Dr. Alonso we have lost school building being named for historic figures and the result is that students are attending schools with generic names. They lose a sense of pride and understanding of the contributions of past leaders and role models. I wish Dr. Alonso well in his future pursuits. We need a leader of our School System who is committed to Baltimore as their career goal.
"There is no flaw in you" Song of Songs 4:7
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men." Psalm 107:8
