News Alert: The American Stupor

Drinking from the top shelf of power, politicians drunkenly violate the American people while tempting the Constitution in hopes of (re)election and greater power gains.   

Lord Acton warns us "that a person's sense of morality lessens as her or his power increases." Clearly, our politicians have hit rock bottom.  We the People must vote, not in allegiance to a particular party, but in deference to and with hopes of making America's ideals Her reality. 

Our brash tribalism is a direct threat to the freedom we claim to value.

America should be on alert!!

She is shrinking from the struggle and the pursuit of a "more perfect union".  The ideal of freedom and justice for ALL continues to narrow. Wake up, the stony road on which we trod is widening! Embracing similar agendas – capitalists, politicians and religious leaders divide and devour ALL, protecting only those drunk from the wine of the world they're creating.  

America, head first, journeys toward another Civil War.  Paralyzed by immorality and clinging to power, those in higher(ed) places are annihilating freedom and anyone who dares pursue freedom for ALL. 

Until we lift every voice and resist – bitter will be the chastening rod!

AMERICA, who is the god in whom we trust? 

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

Toward A More Perfect Union: Patriotism the Cracking of America

America continues in a downward spiral, succumbing to and whirling in Her own defecation while intently shunning the ideals which could make Her great - thereby threatening Her common defence, Her general welfare and the Blessings of Liberty under which She was established. 

The America in which we live mocks the idea of patriotism. Patriotism has become a mere phrase, a talking point absent of teeth, far removed from its intended meaning. 

When men and women take a stand against injustice, for instance "taking a knee" in protest against police brutality, they are acting in accord with the highest ideals of America by exposing that we America(ns) have much work before us if we are to achieve "a more perfect union". 

How can America hold Her ideals high before Her citizens or the world when protesters abiding by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - which guarantees the freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to petition the government to redress grievances are vilified, fired from their jobs, shamed, told to leave the country, labeled unpatriotic, etc.?

YET, the president of the United States can call protesters, those living into the democratic principles of America, sons of b_ _ _ _ _ _ ! Then on a world stage announce that he rejects the findings, of the United States intelligence agencies, that Russia interfered in the 2016 United Sates of America's elections. With his objection to the report, based on the assurance from the Russian president - his country did not tamper with the U.S. elections. 

Is the president unAmerican for standing against America's intelligence agencies 

and standing with an enemy of the state? 

The president's actions begs the question, what is patriotism? Does the president of the United States of America exalting and defending Russia, a declared enemy of the United States and the world, above the national security of America and Americans, qualify as patriotism? 

Unfortunately patriot-patriotism has become merely a word 

signifying one's ascription to a particular tribe within American politics. 

How does a sitting president side with a long standing adversary of The United States of America and true patriots remain  silent? Where is the outrage from the patriots who vehemently characterized those "taking a knee"  as unAmerican?

I'm confused, the greatness of America lies within Her ideals and the pursuit of a more perfect union. Somehow Americans have decided to pledge their allegiance to a political party (Democrat or Republican); hence,  weakening our country and the Constitution from which these parties were formed. If America(ns) doesn't awaken from Her slumber she will soon find Herself toppled and plundered like every dynasty before Her. 

If America is ever to attain greatness, our trust must not remain solely with politicians, as they are apt to cling to power, often at the expense of their constituents and certainly against portions of the "All" pursuing unalienable Rights...

Thus, the future of American ideals rests with "We the People". 

Here is the good news...America is malleable! Her citizens must hold Her imperfections and potential in tension like clay, kneading Her into the Nation which makes possible the attainment of Life, Liberty, the pursuit of Happiness and the equal treatment for ALL. 

While the president of America continually praises well known enemies of the United States and embraces the leaders and  ideals of totalitarianism, "We the People" mustn't cease - Voting, Protesting, Resisting and Holding Every Leader Accountable - for the betterment of America not the Democratic or Republican Party. 

These are American values which can make Her great!!!

In short, "We the People" must unify and openly conspire to guide America "toward a more perfect union"!

Inspired By Love,

Pastor Marcus

Fathering: Reveals Manhood

I am a father because my sons carry my DNA. But because I Father (invest my time, energy, effort and emotional, financial and spiritual resources in my children's development) I am a dad. 

Every boy, young and adult man struggles with what is meant by Manhood. 

In God's infinite wisdom, discovery of Manhood, an elusive but accessible mystery is only revealed in the trenches. Fathering is the means...

Fathering has a way of stripping a man of pretense while equipping him with purpose. Fathering chisels away arrogance while cloaking him in humility. Fathering redirects his recklessness toward remarkable responsibleness. Fathering reverses man's misinterpreting vulnerability as weakness into a sign of attained venerability. Fathering reshapes one's narrow distorted ego into an accepting eclectic ecosystem. Fathering stretches the perceived reach of strength beyond the physical to include strength in its emotional, psychological and spiritual capacities. 

In short, fathering reveals the complexities of Manhood. Submission to Fathering is an arduous process without end but every successful attempt unveils God's intention for Manhood and the recipients (sons/daughters - males/females) of our courageous striving.  Fathering is a pathway to Manhood but doesn't require a man’s reproductive seed yet demands every aspect of his being! 

When we young and adult men submit to fathering, Manhood becomes our reality and God says to each of us:

“This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.”

Much Love from a Dad in the trenches who is learning-discovering Manhood and God's intention for himself and his young boys.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

 

Remembering Our "Great Responsibility" (Memorial Day Reflection from a UMC Elder)

As Memorial Day is a remembrance of the fallen military women and men who died while protecting democracy. 

It's also true too many tombs are filled with well meaning military personnel and innocent civilians who died for the sake of "nationalism" which truth be told is an oft misguided notion leaving us to wonder, why and for what did our loved ones die?  

Hence, this Memorial Day, I find myself reflecting on leadership.

Given the solemnity of this holiday and the despair that accompanies the loss of life, I have concluded with certainty the necessity for sober, courageous, thoughtful and humble leaders who are mindful that death is a very possible implication of their decisions.

This Memorial Day reminds me within my present context as an Elder in the United Methodist Church (which is a hierarchical Church-Ecclesial system that operates similarly to the government), spiritual deaths commonly occur in the name of "God", "Jesus" and/or the "Book of Discipline". 

Reflecting upon known and unknown losses vividly pronounces the "Great Responsibility" we-church leaders (Bishops, Deacons, District Superintendents, Elders, Laypersons and Local Pastors) owe to God, the followers of Jesus and not yet followers of Christ. 

Across our Connection, there's a painful witness of tombs, many cloaked as churches both nearly empty and filled to capacity with well-meaning Christians and innocent church goers (attenders). With honesty, confession and in some cases repentance, we have to recognize these churches are the results of our decisions (Bishops, Deacons, District Superintendents, Elders, Laypersons and Local Pastors). 

Considering death and her constant proximity, we (leaders) are challenged through fear and trembling to courageously provide life-giving leadership. Jesus exhorts us to weigh the outcomes of our decisions, thus, we mustn't take lightly any of our resolutions as unlike any other leaders our actions/inactions have both earthly and Eternal consequences. 

As we remember the saints we've lost and acknowledge the deaths (of dying and closed churches), our response should be to lead with greater commitment and conviction toward Jesus' vision of the church - "a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out." 

While we (church leaders) hold the memory of past deaths, successes and missteps nigh, may we enthusiastically launch into not yets, emboldened by unrelenting Hope, anchored to the Holy Spirit and inspired by Love provide leadership which guides our churches to God's preferred future. So that all of God's people regardless of their faith, race, gender, ethnicity, social location, sexual orientation, country of origin, etc. will know that we United Methodist Christians freely worship Jesus and full-heartedly preach and teach freedom, as we announce for everyone to hear:

"Good News to the poor,

Pardon to prisoners, 
Recovery of sight to the blind,
The oppressed and battered are free, 
AND
“This is God’s year to act!”"

Let not our memorial be in vain, but because of courageous leadership from Bishops, Deacons, District Superintendents, Elders, Laypersons and Local Pastors, all people will see the church anew and attest that "God’s home is too among the People called Methodists! Yes, God lives with them, and they too are God's people. (It's clear) God is present and guiding the United Methodist Church."

This is my commitment, hope and prayer as an Elder in the United Methodist Church.

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

(205) 440-2879 

BEYOND POLITICS: FAREWELL FORTY-FOUR

*Note to reader: the following reflection isn’t meant to elevate President Obama as a savior or messianic figure, he like every President before him and all who will follow is a flawed human being whose leadership decisions are sometimes questionable, detrimental, and ill-advised.

America, particularly white America, to understand the weightiness and significance of Barack Hussein Obama’s Presidency, the lens of politics is insufficient.

To grasp #44s tenure, a cursory glance at America’s soiled history toward Black, Brown and Yellow humanity provides the aperture through which to see, think and feel. 

Clearly, America never intended the vestments 
of the most powerful office to be adorned by a Negro.

The pundits and historians will forever debate the leadership and policies of the Obama Presidency in attempts to define his legacy. Perhaps, altogether overlooking the single greatest impact (of the election of Barack Obama).

Mr. Obama is a non-white male citizen. . .

The two-term Presidency of Barack Obama, like the Affordable Care Act, granted millions upon millions access to a healthy soul. The mere presence of his Blackish-Brownish-Yellowish face in the Oval Office signaled at once: the possibility of healing, restoration of humanity, evidence of America’s striving toward a More Perfect Union and demonstrating a commitment to upholding her Declaration:“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all (Black, Brown, White and Yellow) men (women) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

POTUS Obama, the leader of the free world, forced America to acknowledge the legitimacy of Blackness. Irrespective of the historical rejection and subjugation of people designated as Black, America had elected a Commander-in-Chief, whose pigmentation years ago, would have legally denied him recognition as fully human. From 1787 to 1861, the U.S. Constitution instituted the Three-Fifths Compromise declaring: “for purposes of representation in Congress, enslaved blacks in a state would be counted as three-fifths of the number of white inhabitants of that state”.

Although, prior to negotiating with Congress

or foreign leaders, signing any laws or vetoing any bills,

Barack Obama would be known as a historic President.

Yet, 2008 and 2012 proved so much more than just a historical note. This election became therapeutic, a symbol of pride strengthening our resolve, and encouraging us to stand unmoved in the struggle to be human.

In a real sense, #44 empowered Black people to emerge from the despairing shadow of invisibility. No longer would our Blackness go unnoticed! As President Obama, soulfully and with swagger boarded Air Force One, so too were Black people taking flight – more importantly being seen. Either during Mr. President’s debriefs in the West Wing, strolls through the Rose Garden or hosting Heads of State, etc., there we stood.

At last, we like the Narrator in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man could confidently reject invisibility and assert: “Must I strive towards colorlessness? But seriously and without snobbery, think of what the world would lose if that should happen. America is woven of many strands.  I would recognize them and let it so remain.”

In short, ladies and gentlemen the President of the United States of America...reinvigorated our worn and waning hope in American ideals. Our President’s ascendancy to the highest office seemed to secure the often-elusive legitimacy of Black folks’ place within the chain of humanity. We now sat at the proverbial welcoming table! Once meager “huddled masses yearning to be free” we were among the gathered, partaking in the selective delicacy of freedom.

Black America, Brown America, White America, Yellow America. . .politics aside, President Obama’s arrival to the White House affirmed our deep-seated conviction: politics isn’t the measuring stick for one's humanity, humanity is governed by an Omnipotence of whom we all are image bearers. The swearing in of our lengthy–eared Chief Diplomat seemed to give rise to a repentant America embracing her prophetic preamble “all men (women, people) are created equal” and her pledging allegiance to a “God (that) shows no partiality”. 

The 2008 election powered by then Senator Obama’s campaign belief, “Yes We Can!” was a resolution of sorts.  A proclamation moving us beyond politics as usual to a spiritual mandate not bound by term limits:

Yes We Can – We can Be Human (God Inspired)!

Yes We Can – We can see Human(ity) in every hue!

Inspired By Love,

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

Protest Matters!

Until one has felt the weight of oppression, the anger of invisibility and the pain of indifference – the "need for" and the "urgency of" –  protest is unfathomable. 

Until one has experienced the rejection and denial of their humanity, protest, against a nation or system in which that person is fully affirmed and given the rights and privileges it affords, appears as an affront to their freedom.

Perhaps, investigating what provoked the protest is the best recourse 

versus further dismissal of peoples/a person's rights and humanity.

If one hasn't felt the "urgency of" or "need for" protest, doesn't it remain plausible someone else could have been legitimately violated? Is it feasible their pain compels the pursuit of healing through protest? This is anecdotal but it’s probable the majority of plaintiff’s main goal is justice:  (1) recognition that they/their rights were violated and (2) restitution of said rights. 

If anguish from the lynching of the right to be human has never been experienced, perhaps denouncing and denigrating another's response to their pain exposes a lack of empathy, even worse maybe, a disdain for the afflicted.   

In fact, Americans should understand protest! Protest against the British was pivotal in the growth of what is now proudly call the United States of America. Without the protest of "no taxation without representation", most likely, Americans wouldn't live in a democracy under which one reserves the right to protest – even against injustices perpetrated within this "nation of laws".

In the absence of redress and in the interest of humanity and justice, shouldn't the victimized, like the founders of the U.S., reserve the right to determine how, when, and where they protest?

Are the chosen methods of protest – marching, sitting, engaging in the political process, bearing witness to one's constitutional rights, raising awareness to the pain and suffering of fellow citizens, etc. – more significant than what provoked the protest? 

What is protest? 

Protest is an unambiguous proclamation, a problem exists and requires immediate attention. Simply put protest is born from the absence of freedom, love, justice, equity, being visible and identified as fully human. Protest is an action of faith under girded by a commitment to securing Freedom, a birthright.  Protest is costly, redemptive, dangerous and necessary.

Robert Burns frames the problem:

“Man’s inhumanity to man

Makes countless thousands mourn!”

In essence, humans are often injurious to one another. Protest provides a mirror exposing the inhumanity that people, governments and systems perpetuate on other humans. Even when the mirrored reflection is ominous, protest provides the Light of opportunity and a pathway toward justice.

Truly, protest is a love language fortifying constitutions

and moving people and systems toward a perfect union.

Until one experiences the violation of their soul, revocation of their humanity or develops empathy for those who have – they can't/won't understand the "need for" and the "urgency of" protest.  The scriptures provide a lens for viewing the necessity for and urgency of protest:

For instance, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego under the looming threat of death, in protest refused to bow before/worship King Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue saying:

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us.

He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty." Daniel 3:15b-17

Esther, a reluctant protester, determined her voice could be the salvation deterring the intended genocide of her Jewish people:

"...And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king.

If I must die, I must die." Esther 4:16b

Protesters conform to a Power greater than any localized, militaristic, nationalistic, natural or religious powers. Denied by governments, laws, religion and people, protest(ers) seeks higher moral and spiritual ends.

Jesus captures the essence of protest – love, accountability, justice and equity! In the Temple, Jesus confronts corruption-injustice, knocking over tables and the chairs of avarice-laden business and religious merchants, then emphatically states:

"The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer',

but you have turned it into a den of thieves!" Matthew 21:13

Jesus exemplifies the courage and non-conformity required of protesters to reject/resist bearers of power and the status quo.

Perhaps the oppressed are unfairly expecting those who experience

the full "rights and privileges” of being human

to understand the "urgency of" and "need for" protest.

Thus, until understanding/empathy exists, until everyone, nations and systems dutifully acknowledge by law and action the humanity of every human Being, until freedom, love, justice, equity and visibility (recognition of the significance of every soul-bearing Being) is a reality for all people:

Protest Matters!

-- 

INSPIRED BY LOVE, 

Pastor Marcus J. Singleton

 

I am a hope-filled person of resurrection faith and while I will continue teaching the message of Love & Justice, I'm deeply grieved that Black people are denied experiencing the "unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" described in the Declaration of Independence. 

The truth is that Black people aren't recognized as "created equal", they are tolerated as human beings. Blackness has been (since 1619-slavery) and continues to be problematic in our nation - legally, socially and spiritually. 

Until the humanity of Black people becomes legalized, embraced and recognized in "all men are created equal" (in the image of God) vs. "the other" (3/5 human, dangerous, intellectually and spiritually inept) - Love and Justice ("God's will on earth as it is in heaven") continually will be rejected. 

Some say slavery is a mute issue in 2016, perhaps, but here is why I am grieved - because everyday I witness and experience that current generations and future generations have been/are being taught the same indifference toward and rejection (legally, socially and spiritually) of humans in Black skin. 

What is truly disconcerting is people of faith are the purveyors and doorkeepers of this exclusionist "Weltanschauung" (worldview) which rejects the inclusive God of humanity who not only loves, embraces and recognizes Christians, Jews and Muslims but all of creation. 

No where in the creation story does God identify ethnicity or race (an intentional divisive social construction) rather God looked over all God created and for the first time "God saw that it was "very good"!"