The Fear of Success

"For God has not given us the Spirit of Fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind."
II Timothy 1:7

 It has been said that the greatest fear is the fear of change. Change calls for adjustment from the normalcy of one's life. Change calls for a moving out of your comfortable environment into a different, (and sometimes unfamiliar), environment. Perhaps an environment that is devoid of family, familiar routines and known safety nets.

 Change affirms the fact that you, alone, are responsible for the decisions and choices you make in your life. Change is blatant and will challenge you to do those "hidden things" you dare to only dream about. Change is not our enemy. It is your key to a better, more fulfilling life. You must go through fire if you are to become hardened and purified "as pure gold". To Submit to change is to succumb to the truth that your life is more about God's design for you rather than following a path that is safe or has been selected for you by a parent, co-worker, friend or an idol.

  How many of you are operating in an organization and your heart is elsewhere? In some of you there is a book that is waiting to be written, a program to help the homeless that needs to be established, a neighborhood project that will bring families together, a musical composition that will stir the hearts of many; and it all begins with you. You may reason within yourself that if you do not do it someone eventually will. For you to actually fulfill such an arduous task is overwhelming to your basic senses; for we are conditioned to be "practical" in our thinking. We worry about money and food and the biggest concern of all: "What if I fail?"

 The first step in actualizing your true calling is to shed your fear of reaching it. Nothing will happen until we reach out our hands, our minds and even our very soul, to the truth that each of us are more than mere vessels of flesh and blood. "Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." This passage is from the Hebrews chapter 1, verse 4 and it refers to us. We are created, by God, to be an extraordinary people; filled with the ability to create miracles and wonders far beyond what we ordinarily do on a daily basis. "And greater works than these shall you do" said Jesus. I know, I make this sound so easy; and it is if only we would place our trust in our faith and practice accomplishing a miracle each day. You can begin with a small request and graduate to another, a more significant one, each day. 

 I have learned that in my journey to be the vessel that God has ordained me to be I will be bombarded by distractions. These attacks are the antithesis of my inward desire to matriculate into the Kingdom of Heaven that is in us and all around us. My wife's medical results were negative, I have reconnected with family and friends of days gone by, I have desired to be away from certain stresses and to meditate and pursue my dreams which have lain dormant for far too long. Someone once asked me, "Are you afraid of success?" My answer to that question is "Absolutely not" It's on!

Have a great day and I love you all. Dennis

Time To Leave Home

We were walking down the street on Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  I was with my father, Wilbert Spain.  To this day I cannot remember where we were headed.  Now that I think about it, it was even more of a mystery as to why I was with my father.  Wilbert Spain was a career soldier.  He had served most of his years as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division located out of Fort Bragg.  My father was never a talkative individual, especially when he was sober.  But here I was walking along the side of the road with him.  "You know it's about time for you to leave here" he said.  His question came out of no where and I was caught off guard.  "Boy, you'll be 18 soon and it's time that you made a life for your own".  I still did not answer because my father had never been one to ease into a conversation; never the type to prepare you for your next move.  "I don't care where you go", he continued, "but I want you to leave North Carolina".  We continued to walk together and I remained silent.  I had always been characterized by my teachers in school as a very sensitive child.  I lost my mother to kidney disease when I was nine, there were six siblings at home with me who were all surviving by the grace of God.  My father had a penchant for disappearing for several days on payday; leaving us alone to fend for ourselves until he returned days later drunk and ready for nothing but sleep.  We went through his pockets and confiscated any loose change we could, hoping there was enough to buy food for the house.  My father's devastating condition left us without Christmas holidays, birthday celebrations, proms, school dances or field trips.  Yes, I suppose as a child I was a little sensitive, but it wasn't by choice.  As we walked, my father and I, all I could do was hold back the tears as I wondered to myself "Why does he hate me so much?".
Recently  one of my siblings spoke of returning home to live. "Why" I wondered.  When I think of home (N.C.) I think of my walk with my father, I think of the many hardships I and my brothers and sisters endured under him, I think of the many things we went without and I say how I never want to return to that again.  And then, as if for the first time, I realized that my father did indeed love me.  He urged me to get away from home and by doing so I learned Independence.  I learned to be responsible for my own decisions; whether good or bad.  I learned that when my funds ran low that there was no parent or brother or sister in my immediate area who could bail me out.  And most of all, I learned to do the opposite to what my father did for my family.   When he died of cancer in 1995 I was able to tell him what a good father he was and that I loved him very much. My father wasn't the best father, but he certainly was not the worst. 
If we look closely there are obvious lessons to be learned while we are in our trials.
Have a great day.
Dennis
   

Preparing For A New Journey

 "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending."~Maria Robinson~

 I've been in heavy thought lately.  I get this way when I am watching and waiting as I sense a change in my season.  I await the opportunity to make the right decisions when the time comes.  There are always so many things occurring simultaneously; and it's not as if they don't concern me, so I cannot readily turn over and go to sleep.  Being fervent in prayer is exhausting, for you not only pray in your quiet moments, but you also pray as you shop, work, clean house, drive and walk.  I don't always know specifically why I am praying but when things happen, (like how I received a phone call, while ironing some clothes this afternoon, from my brother-in-law informing me that his girlfriend's mother passed this morning).  Because of the prayers that I uttered earlier I felt as if comfort had already reached her and her bereaved family and friends.  
 Today has been a day of preparation here at the house.  Many are aware that we are relocating to another state very soon.  I have truly come to be at peace with this city.  My home is in an area that is surrounded by businesses, restaurants, and other activities.  I have often stated how I felt as if I were ready to call this "home" and never to move again. Take it from me; Never say never!  I have written before as to how we are often in an area for reasons other than our own.  I used to preach "your life is not your own when you are a child of God".  How easy it is to take it upon oneself and declare that you have "retired" from a certain thing; a specific vocation.  In  newer ways I am learning how great the rewards and blessings are rained down upon us when we say "Lord, not my will but your will be done".
 As I mowed my lawn for the final time, packed boxes, disconnected electric appliances and removed items from the walls,  my heart and my mind reflected on the lessons learned, (both good and bad), while passing thru this land. I remembered the people who have gone on to Glory while I have lived here. I thought about the numerous events I was honored to participate in by presenting my gift of song.  I smiled greatly today when I, once again, thought of how I actually fulfilled a dream by making a Gospel music CD of my own and later recording a song with my family.  Hurricane Irene has been moving as we have been preparing to move and fortunately, the ramifications of its trek did not reach the projected disastrous proportion anticipated by so many world-wide. 
 I don't know when I will write again.  There are so many things that demand my attention, but just as I did not foresee writing this thought, I can only say that I will see you when I see you.
Have a great day and a safe week.
I love you all.
Dennis

A New Day Coming

 

 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known".  1 Corinthians 13:12

There's this thing going on in my life as of late and I don't want to let it go.  It seems that after so many years of ups and downs, stumbling, falling, getting back up, waiting and watching; I am finally feeling as if I am walking closer to perfection than ever before.  When I describe it in this manner some may think me to be arrogant or prideful, so let me say it another way; I feel as if I am finally walking closer to God's will in my life than ever before.  My thoughts have been cascading like a torrential downpour.  Fireworks are exploding within my chest. My time in this city is soon to be over and I am being as patient as I can as I look over the horizon at my whatever it is that awaits me.  Will I be immersed with thoughts of deja vu? (déjà vu 1903, from Fr., "already seen." Also known as promnesia ). Will I experience trials that will test my marriage, my character, my very mettle? Is their someone God is sending me to that has been looking for a Word; encouragement, as only I can give? Perhaps there is a certain song that needs to be sung or a book within me that must be written.  I am suddenly reminded of the old Gospel song we used to sing in church; "Send me, I'll go".  My heart and my mind is totally devoid of any fear.  Do you remember how the prophet Job, (pronounced Jobe), let his fears become a reality?  (Job 3:25), "What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me". I trust God and not myself because He has not given me a spirit of fear but of love and power and a sound mind (level head).
As much as I normally complain about picking up and going elsewhere, (I had my fill of moving while I was in the military; and even afterwards), this time is different. I have had the opportunity to meet many people while here. Not all good but not all bad either. I will always cherish the ones who loved their neighbor as they loved themselves. I will remember the lessons taught by those whose only objective, it  seemed, was to make other people's life as miserable as their life was. I sincerely pray that they will soon find happiness while they live. They can't even see that there is joy all around them and that, my friends, is so sad.
 One thing is certain; there are three of us traveling to the new land and I must be mindful that we serve a multifaceted God. So while I may be on my own mission my wife and son will have their tasks, as well.  And we know that all things work together for good for them that love God and are called to do His will.  I invite you to take this journey with me. If there are any words I can say that will encourage, motivate, enlighten, or simply help to dull your pain, I will speak them through my writings.  And what will you be doing on your end?  Let me guess; Praying for me and others and spreading genuine love.

I love you all.
Dennis          

Autumn leaves (re-posted for Marlyce and family. I love you all)

 A sweet smile and eyes that gleam with anticipation; almost a mischievous delight.
That's what Autumn leaves in your mind.
A pretty, baby-like face that reminds you of her sweet mother. Almost sisters, they appeared to be.
That's what Autumn leaves her mother to remember.
Some find her difficult to understand but you would never know the roads she has traveled nor the things she has experienced unless she trusted you enough to tell you.
When Autumn leaves she is sorting some things out.
"Wish she'd stay around the house more", (her mom would say), "because I love her company".
But so many people want her company, so Autumn leaves.
I got a phone call the other day. Autumn had left again; only this time she wasn't coming back home.
Sadness and memories and pain and a pool of tears.
That's what Autumn leaves.
A bright light in heaven and a new angel to adore. A trail of laughter and joy and love for her baby brother she can hold once again.
That's what Autumn leaves.

We will miss you, Autumn.
Dennis

In Defense Of Our Veterans

"But as for me, it is good to be near God".
Psalms 73:28

 The other day I had the pleasure of speaking to a woman who is a Human Resources employee at a local VA hospital. She was telling me how the Veterans Administration was making it a priority to hire more Veterans.  She went on to say how although this was a good initiative, it was lacking in on key area; training and education for managers and supervisors who the Veteran would be placed under once hired. Some managers are totally oblivious as to what "special accommodations" they would possibly need for Veterans. After all, they are just people like the many others hired by the Veterans Administration on a daily basis. This is where they are totally wrong; and if I may be so bold as to remark, narrow minded. 

 I am a retired Army Veteran, as I have mentioned several times before.  Since my inception into the ranks of soldier my entire life has been "dress-right-dress", attention to detail, and arriving 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time, to mention a few ingrained idiosyncrasies. There was a saying we had when I was active duty which was "We do more before 9 a.m. than most people do all day". I promise you that this saying was true in every way. Having to live under this mindset for even a few years, (coupled with a tour(s) in a foreign land, involuntary separation from family and friends for an extended time, perhaps a rotation to a war zone or a life changing injury), causes one to adapt to an attitude of ordiliness, structure, and above all, to develope a very low tolerance for people who perform their duties in a half-hearted, nonchalant manner.   The VA Medical Centers were created for the Veteran and therefore only the most sincere care should be expected from all VA employees at all times.  But, alas, that is hardly the case. I have worked with several VA facilities over the years and in several states and I have come to learn that many of those employed at these facilities are only interested in acquiring huge pay checks and yearly bonuses or seeking to hire as many of their family members as possible. This is known as neoptisim.  I was once in a position as secretary for a certain Service Line and the Administrative Officer actually said to me "Dennis, why do you have to work so fast"? She went on to say that when I completed my tasks ahead of schedule it forced her to address her part of the work before she desired to do so.  (Now take a second to visualize the look of total disdain I had on my face after hearing that comment).

 This is what Veterans, and those who care about Veterans, have to deal with from some Vetarans Hospital employees.  So to those of you who are employed in the services of the Veterans, please see the need for looking through the eyes of the Veterans; and not just from a medical perspective. And if you cannot or will not attempt to do that, please go home.  

 In a large way, we Veterans are ahead of the times.  We were integrated (racially) from Basic Training. We learned that a friend is one who has your back in all situations and not just the one who shares your skin color. We expanded the definition of family when we were apart from our traditional family. We shared one anothers joys and sorrows. What was mine was yours and what was yours was mine.  None of us ever had to go without, even we we didn't have a nickel in our pocket.

 Sounds like what Martin Luther King, JR, John F. Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln, and Barack Obama had in mind; for us all to love and live together.

Have a great day.
I love you all,
Dennis


      

Cleaning Our Own Heart

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
-Proverbs 4:23

 I was on the road quite a bit this weekend. I remembered how much I used to love to travel and to listen to the old time gospel preachers as I passed through certain states.  Radio preaching is so much different from the preaching you usually hear on the television, and I understand why. With television it's all about the ratings; and there is also the 'Do not offend' factor.  Have you ever asked yourself how does one preach the Gospel without offending some people? The Bible, the "Word of God", cannot help but to offend any and all who do not abide by it.  I don't care who it is that might be in error.  If the shoe fits, lace it up.  From alcoholic to meth user to crack head to church deacon to choir member to preacher and pastor; all souls must adhere to its words, for these words create a better life for us now and hereafter.
 Anyone who has been around The Word for any certain length of time will attest to the fact that the Bible is not a respecter of persons; in other words, no one is exempt from its teachings and admonitions. I used to esteem "religious" people over non-religious people when I was but a novice in the church; however, I came to know that anyone is susceptible to failing in their spiritual walk. I witnessed many devastating acts and even committed some of my own dastardly deeds, all while wearing the "cloak of righteousness".  Although I remained in the church I was never comfortable with being a hypocrite.  (You know what a hypocrite is don't you? It's who a person really is when no one else is looking).  So because I feared God more than man I decided to sit down and let God work in my life rather than to perpetrate a fraud for the sake of appearances.  I know you are wondering just what is was that caused me to do this.  Trust me when I say that it was nothing that warranted jail and neither was it a criminal offense.  Some of us are just very sensitive to displeasing God in the slightest way.  It's a shame that there are many religious people who are too concerned with their position in the church or have too much pride to put their church activities on hold while they humbly submit themselves to God so that He may repair their cracks. 
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".  Galatians 6: 7-9
 Does a person truly believe that he/she can continue to rile on another's behavior while all the while they are living in deeper offense than those whom they seek to correct?  As the opening scripture says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."  Our heart may contain many issues of life but it is sad that these issues contained therein too often concern other people's faults and none of our own shortcomings.  Have you sincerely searched your own heart lately?  Has your position or pride kept you from being the best that you can be for God? Are you wondering why your ship hasn't come in while all around you so many of your friends are prospering and being blessed in miraculous ways? 
 Here is a personal challenge to you; imagine that you, alone, are standing before God's judgement seat and He has given you 10 minutes to come clean with Him or you will be turned towards Hell.  What would you confess?
 My friends, there are no benefits to having pride.
Have a great and productive day.  I love you all.

Dennis

Going Through Samaria

 Sometimes it is easy, as well as enjoyable, to write my blogs. However; because I am human, my mood is sometimes depicted by certain affairs of the day(s). I lay in my bed this morning looking at the news and I suddendly felt a despair come over me that I haven't felt in a long while. I last felt this feeling many years ago when I was a young minister. I had received an unction from the Lord that the enemy wanted our children and that this would be accomplished by distracting the parents. Over the years I have seen this come to pass all to clearly. There seems to be an overwhelming trend of parents killing their children due to the influence of drugs, negative associations, or merely a desire to "live their life as they feel they should be able to". Because of these prevailing ideals we have Caylee Anthony's unavenged death, the 11 year old girl who was recently found dead in a lake near her home, the mother who drove her vehicle off of a pier with her children inside and they all drowned because of domestic problems she was having with her spouse. And let's not forget Susan Smith in South Carolina who sent her and her husband's toddlers to a watery grave in her vehicle so that she could be with her lover.  Columbine was forever shattered by two young men who ammassed an arsenal of weapons right in their bedrooms without their parents having a clue as to the carnage they were plotting to unleash.  Recently, in Norway, a madman slaughtered a peaceful group of young people to make a statement. He posed as a policeman; a symbol of security to so many, as he proceeded to maliciously destroy the lives of an entire country by his deed.  If you can't trust a policeman to protect you who can you trust? He succeded in placing this fear in many around the world. And what about the woman who killed a neighbor's child and buried his body in a suitcase at a local playground? Here, locally, a man had sex with a young male college student and the young man died during the act so the man disposed of his body in a cardboard box and put it in a dumpster. To this day the body of that student has never been found. I could go on with more incidents; each more horrible than the previous one. The list goes on and on, my friends, and you wonder when will it end, if ever? 
 Living in this age is like going to a part of town that people usually avoid because of the random acts of violence, drugs, gang activity or some other undesired permeating situation.  We avoid going "across the tracks" because of the lawlessness that is so often found there. For generations we have been told stories of "those people" and are admonished to steer clear of their ungodly ways.  After all, no decent person would be caught dead in such an environment.
 There was a time in his life that Jesus came across such a situation. Jesus was a Jew and for centuries Jews had been taught to avoid the Gentiles, (or non-Jewish people), who lived in a city known as Samaria.  Samaria was the "across the tracks" of his day.  To associate with a Samaritan was to defile your very own body. It was frowned upon because Jews actually believed that it was God's will to distance themselves from such lost and degenerate people.  But one day, rather than take the well traveled road around Samaria Jesus said to his deciples, "I need to go through Samaria".  Of course the disciples balked at this statement and sought to discourage him, but you remember how Jesus went to the well and a Samaritan woman met him there and because he gave her the Good News about God she joyfully went back to her city and told others who were also converted and came to know God.
 Our Samaria is in our own country, our own cities, our own neighborhoods, and yes, our own homes.  It is time-out for taking the long road around problems that we would rather ignore and hope that they will go away on their own. The other option, direct confrontation, is best but we shun anything that seems like work. And while we turn our heads away from our problematic friends and family members, the prince of the air, the enemy, is free to interject all of his evil, selfishness, maliciousness, hatred, promiscuity, lust, disobedience, anger and hard-heartedness on our children.  We turn over the task of educating our children to the schools, television, and the internet. We all know of the discouraging curriculum found in many of our nation's schools. And someone please tell me what wholesome lessons are being taught by the cast of Jersey Shore, The Bad Girls Club, The Kardashians, Paris Hilton, The Housewives, or the Basketball Wives?  Children are most impressionable at their young age and the actions depicted in such shows are definately misleading and undesirable in the majority of many parents themselves.
 Let's face the fact that we each will need to go through Samaria in our own lives and we must do so starting today.  We must, once again, sit down and painstakingly, but patiently, give our children the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, (B.I.B.L.E). And not so much as in the form of a sermon, but in the manner in which we live our own lives and how we treat others.
 Let us get involved in our children's lives lest we lose them to the ways of the world. It is not too late to pull them out of the fire.
 Have a great and productive day.
I love you all,
Dennis