"Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters!"

I

In America and across all the colonized nations, poor citizens and citizens of color await equality. Although we claim an allegiance to justice; questions beg answers. If we live in a land where everyone is considered equal, how do we respond to the following:

                Why is the quality of a public school education determined by one’s zip code?

                              Why is there a "cradle to prison" pipeline in the United States?

As we ponder justice, we must consider our country’s many inconsistencies; for example, The Children’s Defense Fund, points out: “1 in 3 Black and 1 in 6 Latino boys born in 2001 are at risk of imprisonment during their lifetime” and that “states spend about three times as much money per prisoner as per public school pupil”.

How can we without heavy hearts and conscious pledge allegiance to our flag when we consistently and without apology fail to be “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”? As we commemorate the birth of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., let’s honestly ask:

Is justice afforded in equal measure to all of America’s citizens?

When Rev. King marched, preached or gave speeches, he often quoted the prophet Amos 5:24, “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream!” always as a reminder of the absence of and need for justice in America. If we are to live in truth and to make freedom a reality for all, we have to stand up for and embrace our nation’s need for justice.

The legal definition of justice: “The proper administration of the law; the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals under the law.”

With this understanding of justice we can rightly say in America, we continue to demonstrate an unwillingness to render equitable treatment of all individuals under the law. In Martin Luther King’s infamous speech, I Have a Dream, he says amid vicious atrocities committed against Black people and poor people: “Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children”. King offers a clarion call for all people to understand that true justice is “no respecter of persons”.

On January 15th, Dr. King would have been eighty-five years old and today he would stand as a fount of wisdom. However, America continues to wallow in folly and indifference when it comes to justice for all her citizens. We hide behind our social economic status, our religion, our education, our gender, our sexuality, our race, our politics, etc. believing these justify our right to an unequal justice.

If justice is to be a reality for all, we must fight for and demand “the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals (not only) under the (judicial) law” but also because Jesus says we should:

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other,

just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another

will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35–35).

Justice, can be realized by all!  Dr. King fought valiantly for justice; but we have allowed his Dream to remain a figment yet to reach fruition for every person in our society. If we are to truly reshape our native land, we must become the solution to our nation’s time honored practice of inequality. Professor and Philosopher Cornel West reminds us:

“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public!”

Let us not hold firm to the sentimentality of Martin Luther King’s I Have A Dream speech but let’s embrace Dr. King’s legacy and continue the fight to ensure justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream!”

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead  Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith, inspired by the love the of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

What You Talkin' Bout?

Why is it okay to celebrate: how much fun one had at a party; talk ad nauseam about the greatness of their favorite athletic team; brag about a job promotion; show and tell everyone about their material possessions - i.e., a new car; send announcements to everybody about their engagement; their graduation; their newborn; recommend a great restaurant; etc.? 

Why is it acceptable: to talk disparagingly about another person's appearance; race/ethnicity; social status; education, etc.; to maliciously belittle family, friends, co-workers or strangers; to make insensitive jokes; etc.?  

But the very second a Christian mentions Jesus or other persons of faith attempt to share their beliefs – they're told to keep their religion to themselves; they're called self-righteous; condemned;  and said to think of themselves as better than others?

Religion has and rightfully so been scorned for some of its brutal practices and its sometimes narrow perspectives. Yet, the core tenets of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and many other religions challenge us to develop our higher selves and challenges its followers to work toward and mature in sacrificial living and the (spiritual, physical, social, emotional and fiscal) wellness of one's self and community versus individualistic and hierarchical attainments.

Hence it’s puzzling why we would rather; people take that "God talk" elsewhere, while we glorify and celebrate our lower selves. Instead of embracing a spiritual worldview that encourages the growth of the best that's within us; we choose to submit to the cultural gods (sports, entertainment, politics, etc.) and spiritualized consumerism that guarantee diminishing returns. In doing so, we fail to recognize how materialism and the medium of culture is weakening access to our "greater selves".

Is it “God talk” vs. “culture talk”?

In essence, those who chastise the religious, spiritual or evangelical person for proselytizing or attempting to convert them are guilty of the same practices which they condemn - the sharing of what one believes. Consider these conversations: “You’re a vegetarian?! What!, you don’t eat meat?”, “You’ve never had sex?! Are you serious?”, "Whose your team?! You gotta choose one!", “You don’t drink (alcohol) or smoke?! C’mon give it a try?”, “You’re wearing that?! That’s unacceptable!”, You’re friends with___?! Why? She/He is weird!". 

The truth is – people share what’s important to them!

I’m not suggesting we have to desist from sharing what we value or believe. More importantly whether ours is the God of a religion or the god of the culture, we need to:

          1.       Listen to what we say;

          2.      Watch what we do; and

          3.      Determine our desired outcome.

Ask yourself the following:

a. Is what I’m sharing/believing; developing and strengthening my higher self or is it drawing me toward my lower self?

b. Where is my God talk or culture talk leading those with whom I share?

c. What do I value most God or the culture? 

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Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: “A diverse community of faith; inspired by love, committed to becoming and making disciples”.

Ready or Not 2014 is here - Now What?

Ready or Not 2014 is here. . .what we have to determine is, now what?  Will we find ourselves: Nursing wounds? Nostalgically looking back? Will we forgive and forget? Forgetting those things that are behind us and pressing toward goals and opportunities? Will we hold on to negative and counterproductive actions and people?

Now What?

When circumstances arise this year be prepared to have an answer for now what. Your response will determine your successes; and how you navigate the challenges and difficulties that are sure to appear in 2014.  As we reflect on 2013 and enact plans for 2014, we are to remember that time’s only promise is its allocation (24 hours a day;     168 hours a week; 672 hours a month; 525,600 minutes a year, etc.).

Martin Luther King reminds us: “We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but is adamant to every plea and rushes on.” Time does not wait for us; in a real sense, time seeks to prepare us. Time subtly and at times overtly instructs us toward action, to forward movement.

I remember vacillating over a decision, this issue I had brought before my dad on numerous occasions and his final advice transformed my dilemma, “Marcus its time! Either stay on the pot or get off!” In short, my dad was encouraging me to make a decision and move forward.

What decisions; opportunities, relationships; career issues; health concerns, etc. – need your now what response? How much time has been wasted? How many people have been hurt? How many opportunities lost? Simply because you haven’t decided now what?

Time is critical to our now what?   Remember: “time is adamant to every plea and rushes on”; 24 hours in a day, gone; 168 hours in a week, spent; 672 hours in a month, exhausted, and 525,600 minutes are just memories every January 1^st. Time rushes on!

We get to determine whether our reflections on this passing of time
will be ones we regret or relish.

Think about this: whether you graduated from high school a year ago or 60 years ago – you most likely thought, you had nothing but time before you. . .today you probably wonder; how so much time, escaped you so fast?  

Time is not static; nor should we be. As we enter 2014, I pray your responses to “now what?” will move you toward healthy decisions and prosperous actions. In that same quote, MLK says: “We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now!”

I say to you my friends, your Now What? response determines your tomorrow

and tomorrow is here today – Make decisions now! 

The present moment is fierce and urgent and . . .
your future is depending on your response today!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: “A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples”.

Christmas Story Remix - Take a Closer Look!

Based on Luke 2:1-20

Christmas Remix – Christmas has become so sterile that its symbol has become the perfectly wrapped gift, topped with the perfect bow in its center.  Christmas like the beautifully written and often sung song, has become thought of as a Silent Night.  Now, I know Jesus is the Messiah but he was fully human, so until he gets acclimated to his surroundings, could Christmas in the first century have been a truly silent night? Anyone with children knows until a routine is established silence and peacefulness aren't the first experiences with babies.

We all have seen nativity scenes sitting neatly near the Christmas tree.  Again providing this serene and perfect image of Christmas. Yet, I don’t think we can envision Jesus’ first Christmas through such a squeaky clean view. After all, there were animals all around him – have you ever been near farm animals? The air isn't filled with fragrant aromas nor is quiet a feature; someone will always be hemming and hawing or squawking right? That’s what farm animals do.

It seems to me we haven’t fully thought of the reality of Christmas. It can’t be perfect, because the Perfect One has yet to take the stage.  The truth of the matter Christmas is lacking something…Millions upon millions of people know the dramas of life but haven’t experienced the unfolding drama in the Christmas story.  In commercializing Christmas the stage has been narrowed, excluding the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized from full participation in this amazing event.  People are denied access to privilege, prestige and power. Instead of the doors of opportunity; of access; and/or of equality swinging wide open for all; they are closing leaving many suffering in the silence of the night. Only to dream of perfectly wrapped gifts with perfect bows in their center.

People all over the world are singing Christmas songs and celebrating the day of Jesus birth without taking a closer look; perhaps we need to reread it. In fact, the story of Jesus’ birth by present day standards would never have been told because our society and culture doesn't value the underclass and the poor. The main characters in the Christmas story aren't perfectly wrapped people with perfect bows in their center:

•             Mary a poor lowly know nothing teenage girl

•             Joseph an insignificant blue collar carpenter

•             The neighborhood of Jesus’ birth – Bethlehem a small rural village, 

               pop.  less than a 1,000 - home of poor folks

•             Shepherds were uneducated, considered unclean, dishonest, 

               lower-class persons

•             Joseph and Mary’s first apt was a room where the animals were kept

•             The Manger – Jesus’ first bed was a feeding trough used by the animals

What is God doing? Doesn't God realize that such a watershed moment; in the history of the world, deserves an A-list cast? After all if Jesus is the King shouldn't his birth have all the accoutrements of royalty?

Why does Mary a poor, an unknown teenager get the starring role? Why does Joseph, a man without wealth or political clout become a King’s surrogate father? Why Bethlehem, a remote village meaning House of Bread”? Why are unclean men chosen to announce the birth of the Messiah, meaning Anointed One? Why is a King’s first bed, an animal salivated trough? There’s no perfection in this scene, there’s no hope, there’s no salvation in this story.

Or is there? Luke's gospel is conveying an overlooked message of Jesus’ birth. Luke emphasizes the poor in this text, what does “poor” mean? Professor Miguel de La Torre explains – “it does not just refer to lack of financial resources but encompasses the inequality and injustice that accompany the lack of access to opportunities that the dominant culture takes for granted as a privileged right”.

Could it be in 2013 we still haven’t grasped the crux of the Christmas story. Listen to the message the angel gives the shepherds vss. 10-11, “but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David”.

The angels pronounces the Good News of the Christmas story, the promised hope; the Messiah’s birth brings salvation and great joy to all people. In other words, the doors are wide open for all people especially those whom the Church; the Privileged; the Powerful and those with Prestige wish to keep out. God welcomes the poor, the uneducated, people from small villages, all sexual orientations, the marginalized, the oppressed, all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, the insignificant, all who the dominant culture dismisses.  The Christmas story is one of inclusion. The love of Jesus is open to all and will not be defined or contained by a perfectly wrapped box. Jesus enters the scene reversing wrongs making them right, restoring dignity to the hurting and helpless; pronouncing justice and redefining love.

Love is not limited to the privilege. Love isn't limited to the ones perceived as perfect and worthy. But the love offered by Christ and his disciples will bring great joy to all people. If we are striving for perfect, let it be perfect love, because perfect love casts out fear and enables us to love like God loves – “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

The Christmas story isn't about a day or a season, but it is about 365 day living; valuing the human worth of every person that God created; it’s not about things – “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal”Matthew 6:19-21.

The birth of Jesus is about seeing the world through God’s heart and sight; it’s about love, it’s about community and the sacred worth of every human being. It’s about a world of Ubuntu which Kenyan Theologian John Mbiti coined meaning “We are, therefore I am” – living in the spirit of Ubuntu is to focus on community rather than individual rights.  That’s what the Christmas story is – swinging every door open and pronouncing and extending the love of Christ to every human being! Remember none of the characters in the Christmas story are perfect, none of the conditions in the story are perfect but through the birth of “the Savior – yes, the Messiah – perfect love, will bring great joy to all people”.

Merry Christmas!

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Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: “A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples”.

The Greatest Gift Is An Introduction

Today December 6^th, I fondly remember my mother who would have been eighty-two. There are so many memories that I could recall; but as a disciple, parent and pastor I choose to focus on my mother’s commitment to sharing and teaching me her faith because I realize the import of her decision.  Scripture instructs parents to: “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”

While I might not have fully agreed with her methods; I am grateful for her unwavering resolve to ensure my awareness of the One whom she called Savior. In our post-modern world where nothing is sacred; where truth has many names; where frivolity is valued over substance, my mother’s introduction to her Savior has proven her greatest contribution to my life.  

Whether; through days of joy or years of pain, my anchor continues to be my mom’s Savior, Jesus; whom I too now, refer to as my Savior. Disciples, parents and pastors have the same responsibility of training, teaching and preparing others to live in an unforgiving world.  My mother instilled within me that this awesome task is not to be approached with cowardice. She never vacillated in her beliefs; she didn’t merely say what she believed; she lived it. I’m not suggesting mom was without fault/sin but her life’s purpose was faithfulness to her God. Her life’s focus was the Great Commandment – "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and. . .Love your neighbor as yourself.”

No one ever had to wonder what she believed or the depths of my mom’s caring. She actively served in her church; her community; and frequently reminded the stranger of God’s love through her kindness. Her life was an embodiment of being: “strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless”. My eldest brother said it best, “mom taught us how to live and how to die” signifying the consistency of her spirit and faithfulness to whom she believed.

Each year as I commemorate my mother’s birthday and celebrate her life, I pray I grow in what she always encouraged me, holy boldness!  I pray that like my mom the love and grace of Jesus is so evident in me that I too am compelled to unapologetically share and teach my faith to my children, family and friends, parishioners, enemies and strangers.  I pray that like mom I too will have lived in such a way that the preacher will not have to eulogize me; rather, she or he will only need to recall my life.  I pray too that like my mom I will die having fully-lived my faith.

As a disciple, parent and pastor I have discovered the greatest gift we can offer someone is an introduction to a Savior that shapes our lives into that which is redemptive; selfless; meaningful; and worth dying for.

Thank you Mommy!  I will always love you!!

Marcus

Don’t Hope, Decide!!

By Michael D. Hargrove and

Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc.

"While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me.

Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.

First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other’s face, I heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, “Me, too, Dad!”  Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” They too hugged a most loving, tender hug.

While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother’s arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, “Hi, baby girl!” as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. “I love you so much!” They stared at each other’s eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands.

For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm’s length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, “Wow! How long have you two been married?

“Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife’s face. “Well then, how long have you been away?” I asked. The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. “Two whole days!”

Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he’d been gone for at least several weeks – if not months. I know my expression betrayed me.  I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!”

The man suddenly stopped smiling.  He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me; my friend, “Don’t hope, decide!” Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, “God bless!”"

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Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

 

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

"Might, Power and Strength?"

Do you have an intense workout regimen? vein-ripped muscles? Do you have a financial portfolio Warren Buffet would approve? Is your position; at your job, so esteemed people bow or stand when you enter a room?

Most of us only dream of answering “yes” to these questions.  Hence we probably long for some sort of “might, power, or strength”! And more than likely have been unsuccessful because of our perception of might, power and strength.

From where or whom, does might, power and strength come?

We tend to associate money, position and prestige with might, power and strength. Over the years, I have discovered pursuit of these perceived trophies is completely meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2b). Think about the energy and effort you've expended or witnessed others expending, only to discover a remaining void. However; everyone can attain might, power and strength but not through yeses to the above questions. Quite paradoxically we can all become powerful beyond our dreaming if we are willing to become weak.

Strength, Power and Might = Weakness?

Power is not present when I am raising my voice at someone; when expressing a curt word of rebuke; or conveying dominance toward someone with whom I disagree. Conversely, power bursts forth when I am kneeling with full attention on my kindergartner - gently listening to his explanation of the intricacies and focus required for he and his brother to build a thingmajig in the Legos universe. The radiance of his eyes and the confidence in his voice imbue unfettered joy – Now that’s Power!

My strength is not measured by the amount of weights I can lift or the number of Zumba classes I complete. However, I am Army Strong when my family is happy and contented. As I care for my family; cook our family meals; or clean the house – giving my wife opportunity to relax and have some her time – I am strengthened because I recognize she is joyful and worry free. Have you ever seen a stressed out and over worked person have a moment to themselves? The phrase Priceless resonates as I witness the Strength (of Family Love).

I am mighty and important not because I am able to meet with dignitaries and other people held in high esteem. But might and importance flow through me:

as I serve those who are despised;

as I speak to and recognize the humanity of the outcast; 

as I share physical nourishment; hope; and the love of Jesus with people                         on the margins

How mighty we are when doing what Jesus commanded! In these moments we discover what Jesus meant, and even greater works will you do. Following Jesus unveils our true Might!

Our might, strength nor power stems from our definitions or perceptions! We discover these attributes in surrender and submission to God, not of ourselves but of our Godselves. Listening, caring, serving and sharing normally associated with weakness are gateways to strength, power and might.

God through Jeremiah invites the Israelites and each of us to realize our faulty perceptions and definitions of might, power and strength. These reminders help us to reassess our choices and practices, enabling us to redirect our actions: 

“This is what the Lord says:

“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,

or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast

should boast in this alone;

that they truly know me and understand that 

I am the Lord

who demonstrates unfailing love

and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,

and that I delight in these things, I the Lord, have spoken!””

(Jeremiah 9:23–24)

May we delight in the things of God; not our own power, strength and might!

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Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                    committed to becoming and making disciples".

G