I hate that word

A few years ago, I trained a cheerful, down-to-earth; speak her mind, and high-spirited lady. She was very likable and an easy to talk with. Unfortunately, I was unable to help her reach her ultimate fat loss goals. At the beginning of each week, she would inform me of her past weekend diet. Typically, her verbal food journal would end with my sigh of anguish followed by words of encouragement about the fundamental dos and don’ts towards losing body fat. Before I could complete my spill, she would say, “I know, I know, I know”… However, I would still give my speech repeatedly exclaiming – DISCIPLINE; in which she would respond, I hate that word! I hate that word, too. 

Sometimes, I play the role of a workaholic. I use to believe there were all pros and no cons to working hard, until recently when my body starting ‘acting out’. The month of October was a scary one. It included a series of tests for diagnosing multiple sclerosis, a month long annoying eye twitch and a week of right side facial numbness (TMJ), along with swelling of my right knee, and hernia in my right groin. 

Every one of my symptoms and medical issues could have been caused by something other than fatigue. However, I’m convinced that my symptoms were brought on by a lack of rest and sleep. With the significant amount of research connecting fatigue to preventable diseases, you would think that this personal trainer would get more rest. Well, I didn’t and I’m hoping that I’ve learned my lesson.

We all struggle with something that adversely affects our overall health. I’ve found that the warning signs normally aren’t enough for most to discontinue their unhealthy habits. Typically, it takes our life being derailed or feared lost before we seriously deal with an issue.

In Genesis 19, there’s a story about a family visited by angels. They were told to leave their city because it was going to be destroyed. The family hesitated. The bible states that under God’s compassion, the angels grabbed their hands to promptly direct them to safety. While the land was being destroyed, they were encouraged not to look back. Unfortunately, the family’s mother looked back and lost her life.

To me, this story portrays the typical stages of decision making in most people’s lives. We are offered words of wisdom, specific instruction, and grace; with this, our eventual outcome depends on our willingness to accept sound advice and follow through. No matter how much we desire a positive outcome; we have to be discipline in completing the necessary steps for a better quality of life.

My encouragement: Don’t look back. If you choose to look back, quickly and positively reflect. Deal with the past by moving forward and replacing those old destructive habits with positive, life-building traits. Tell someone (whether it be a ‘hater’ or a friend) what you plan to do for consistent accountability. Then, Commit your ways to God and be discipline in consistently following the steps needed to improve.  

My goal is to rest smarter and more. What is yours?

THEY SAY we can’t bring gospel this way

When I was a teenager, Rap City and Yo! MTV Raps were music television shows that made a huge impact on my social culture. These after-school shows played an integral role towards how I perceived the world. During my pre-teen and teenage years, I recall my ‘coolness’ being higher based on my ability to quote the hottest MCs lyrics. Although, that was over 20 years ago, I imagine an adolescent’s social status is still measured by their understanding and awareness of popular music. Looking back, I don’t’ necessarily believe that I was listening to popular hip hop to be cool, but more because I could relate to the music. Also, I believe that my nature and nurture drew me to a preferred music style making me no different from most of my peers within my race.

As I grew up, my music grew up. I catered to artist that rhymed about issues that I found interesting. Like most kids, I was impressionable and my greatest influence was hip hop and sports. I wanted to be a part of and accepted by this culture. Quite honestly, to the core of my being, these desires still makeup a part of who I am. However, since childhood, I have had a major makeover -- I gave my life to Christ. My way of thinking and doing is very different. So now, no matter how captivated I am by the music, the lyrics have to be pointed to a greater good.

For most of my converted life, this has caused some problems. When it came to music, I pretty much ‘threw out the baby with the bath water’. I did make an unsuccessful attempt to embrace gospel and contemporary Christian music for casual listening. However, no matter, how hard I tried; it was unnatural for me. I appreciated the purpose, passion, and worship, but it didn’t move me the way hip hop music did in my youth.

A little more than four years ago at a community block party, my neighbor’s teenage son made an impression. In addition to his genuine authentic relationship with Christ, he was a hip hop artist. His ministry introduced me and my family to a whole new genre of music. My oldest son took a liking to the music faster than anyone in our household. I was elated that he had a positive source to draw inspiration towards a life consistent with the way he is being raised.

It took longer to impress me. Over the last few years during workouts, I’ve resorted to listening to Christian sermons. This really didn’t prove as the most enthusiastic source for high intensity workouts. I definitely needed additional inspiration on my unmotivated days. After missing the energy boost that music provided, I decided to listen to a few mainstream hip hop artists. I was impressed with the music, but was greatly disturbed by the content. To put it simple, most popular music contradicts me... making it difficult to thoroughly enjoy. Thankfully, I had an alternative.

After listening to a wide variety of Christian hip-hop artists on Pandora, I can honestly say that the quality of music is equal to most current popular artists. There is no doubt, that the lyrics are better (for me). For this, I’m grateful. In regards to Christian rap, I went from not understanding how Jesus could be glorified to totally embracing the culture. This experience has further shown me how all of man’s unique talents can bring glory to God.

The purpose of this post is to encourage you not to settle and to seek alternatives in hobbies and entertainment that point towards God. I encourage you to be a spiritual and financial supporter of unconventional biblically-centered ministries. These ministries are designed to meet a need in your, your love ones, or someone you never met life. Last but not least, ask yourself how you are using your talents to glorify and honor God. Don’t write off your gifts and its ability to positively affect others. What you have may be exactly what your neighbor needs to see and hear God more clearly.