What Is Required Of A Leader

 "Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly." - James 3:1


  I woke up this morning to the sound of silence. I lay on my back for a minute and smiled and thanked God for another day of life. I never want to take my uprising for granted. I reached over to my night stand and grabbed my morning bottle of water, drank it, and laid back down for a few minutes contemplating the day.  At the time of this writing Rodney King, (of the 1992 LA riots), was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool, Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky is on trial for the alleged sexual abuse of young boys, and the NBA Playoffs have the Miami Heat winning the series over the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1.  There is so much more going on in the world today, (both locally and globally), that if one isn't careful they could find themselves in a state of deep despair concerning some of the issues surrounding us.
  This past Sunday, as I watched my pastor preach in church, it was evident to me of the difficulty he was having delivering the sermon. Having been in his shoes for many years, (as a pastor in Oklahoma for two years and later in Alaska), I could empathize with his struggle. It is written, "To whom much is given, much is required" and any man or woman who accepts the mantle of lording over God's people with the Word of God should be prepared to drink from its bitter cup firsthand. Without naming specific persons, most of us are very familiar with the accounts of religious leaders who chose to live the life of "Do as I say and not as I do". Needless to say, this attitude always ends in their downfall at some time or another. I will say one thing in defense of  these men and women who elect to accept the call to preach; Their biggest task is not preaching, but rather resisting the adoration and fame and power bestowed upon them by the members of their congregation(s).
  I knew of a young man some 20 plus years ago who took his young wife and two small children and joined a church. The young man was excited at the words spoken by the pastor and after a short time he and his wife would become close friends with him and would host him at their home whenever he was in town. Years later the young man learned that the pastor had not only been accepting the hospitality of his home, but of his young wife as well. Having been truly converted with the love of God, the young man was able to resist the urge to take matters into his own hands; however, he did report the incident to his church. Sadly, the church ostracized the young man, classified his young wife as a harlot, and concluded that their beloved pastor had been a victim of Jezebel's temptations. The young couple later divorced and the pastor and his church continued on as if nothing ever happened.
  There is much more to being a leader than many care to consider. Leaders, (whether in the church or on the job), are held to higher standards than the people they govern. Leaders do not take their positions for granted and do not abuse the power given to them or take advantage of the people they are meant to serve. Leaders are not allowed to to take home office supplies because they possess the key to the supply cabinet. Leaders are expected to follow regulations and not allow their positions to give them liberties not afforded to others. And most of all, leaders are expected to spend more time in prayer and meditation so as not to succumb to the many desires of their heart.
  Finally, I would like to encourage us all to consider ourselves leaders in some form or another. You may not lead a large church congregation or supervise an office full of people. You may not lead hundreds of soldiers on a daily basis or be in charge of a construction site. Perhaps you are a member of the congregation, a welder on the job, a typist for a firm, or a self-employed citizen. Whatever your position, someone is watching you at sometime and without realizing it, your actions and/or behavior could be the catalyst for that person to change their life for the better or influence them to delve into a dark and abyssmal lifestyle.  

The greatest power that a person possesses is the power to choose.
- J. Martin Kohe

  My fervent prayer is that we all will do a little better to love more sincerely, reject unusual adoration from others, be forever mindful that we, too, are but a hair away from becoming a CNN headline, and that we all have sinned and fell short of God's expectation of us at some point in our individual lives.

 I love you all.

 Dennis

Reflecting On Father's Day

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.”

Charles Wadsworth

   Father's Day is soon approaching.  Father's Day, (founded in 1910), is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Over the years I have met many men who have displayed varying feelings about this unvarying holiday and it basically derives from their own personal experiences with fatherhood. I have written about my father in previous blogs and the relationship he and I shared. It was sometimes up, sometimes down, (as the old Gospel song says), but I was glad to be able to love him while he was alive and able to comprehend my love. Gabriel Garcia Marquez said "A man knows he is growing old because he begins to look like his father". This statement is confirmed by family and also by friends who knew my father whenever they see a recent picture of me.  If I hear "Boy, Wilbert Spain spit you out" one more time...
  On Father's Day I always find a small window to reflect on my father. I don't dwell on his memory for too long; not because it pains me to do so, but because I do not harbor the father/son memories so eloquently spoken of in the Hallmark Cards  presented to fathers everywhere each year. For me, there were no fishing trips or playing catch in the back yard. My father wasn't on the sidelines rooting for me when I played in my first little league football game. Later in life, as music began to become dominant in my life, he never once witnessed one of my performances. Still, I sing one of his favorite songs, "A Change Is Gonna Come", with him in mind every time.

  "Becoming a father is easy enough, but being one is very rough" - Wilhem Busch

  If you are near my age, you realize that our fathers had to deal with many more societal ills than we could ever imagine. It must have been extremely difficult to try to be the example of strength and protection when you were being called "boy" and expected not to look another man in his eyes. Or to explain to your children why they had to go in the back entrance to an establishment to eat or shop, sit in movie theater balconies only, or watch their women give up their seat on the bus because a white man wanted to sit down.  Yet through all of this, many of our fathers still brought home the bacon, worked long and hard jobs for pennies, provided shelter for their families, fill the house with many children, and even found the time to socialize and have fun.  Nobody ever asks a father how he manages to combine marriage and a career.  
  We now live in a time of blended families, broken or divorced marriages, (sometimes more than a few), and obliterated relationships between the parent and child.  For me, it is painful to lose all contact with an offspring because of differing opinions, lack of understanding, harbored animosity due to divorce, or unacceptable personality traits; but it happens. However; this is not an attempt to offer some sage advice to anyone because I can only govern my own self.
          "Nobody can bring you peace but yourself."- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
  Instead, I do pray that the many fathers who may have been misunderstood over the years for whatever reason, alienated from the lives of their children, or may have fallen short of providing the substance of their dreams for their loved ones, or perhaps have given all and more but only to have their children grow to believe that they contributed nothing to their well-being; I wish you peace. Jesus knows all about our sorrows.
   "A king, realizing his incompetence, can either delegate or surrender his duties. A father can do neither. If only sons could see the paradox, (contradiction), they would understand the dilemma. " - Marlene Dietrich.
  I wish all fathers a Happy Father's Day.
  Dennis

Finding Your Super-ness

  It's raining fairly heavy this Wednesday morning but, nonetheless,  I still went for my morning walk. Although I had my umbrella I only put in about 20 minutes.  All-in-all, that still was enough time for me to reflect on my previous day. Usually my son, David, would attend Summer Camp but I strongly felt the need to have him spend the day with me on Tuesday. We did several things around town that were necessary but the real jewel of the day came when it was time for me to take him to see Sesame Street Live at a local downtown auditorium later that evening. David was excited about going and it was evident that he was going through the motions all day until time for the program. David is a healthy 14 years old but because of his autism he functions at an 8 or 9 year old level. Of course that's not in all things, (he reads, spells, counts money, is an A student and can operate electronics at a more advanced level than most adults), but when it comes to the simple joys of childhood he is very content. I personally love his choice of television programs and movies. I never have need to worry if he is watching programs that are far too explicit for a child because he simply has no interest in them. We, as parents, love for our children to be innocent and unsoiled from the many negative influences this world has to offer our children. David has succeeded in causing me to love the simple things in life and to enjoy his innocence as long as I can. I love it when he tells me that he loves me several times a day and that he likes to hold my hand whenever out in public. I don't concern myself with the looks I sometimes get from other people who may be judgemental by seeing two men holding hands because I have  buried their opinions a long time ago. Those who do recognize he is specical will sometimes approach me and relate their experience with their own special child in their lives.  Such was the case at the Sesame Street program with two women sitting in front of us who had a great deal of interaction with David. It was evident that they personally knew of his condition through some other child. I love my son with every fiber of my being. 
  The evening's the program centered on the muppet monster Super Grover losing his "Super-ness". For some reason, as he flew onto the stage to join the other characters he was unable to take flight again afterwards. This presented a huge dilemma for his boss, The Head Cheese, because there were people and situations throughout the performance that needed Grover's super abilities to help or correct their problem.  Because Super Grover had been rendered "powerless", the Head Cheese became very concerned because there was no one able to right the wrongs being perpetrated all about, but without hesitation, Elmo, Zoe, Telly and Rosita volunteered themselves to become super heroes in their own right and dubbed themselves the Fabulous Five, (the 5th member being a pet rock which belonged to Zoe). Needless to say, they saved the day, however; it was not through the use of laser beams, super speed, flight, magic rings, or even brute strength, but by merely correcting the wrongs through common sense, courage, proper hygiene, and proper diet.  They even succeeded in helping Grover find his "Super-ness" in the end by reminding him that he was "super" as long as he did the right things.
  Through a child's eyes I learned that we all sometimes lose our "Super-ness" because we stray from doing the right things and pick up habits and mannerisms that are not conducive to right living.  Oftentimes sickness and disease occurs in our bodies due to lack of proper rest or by consuming the wrong foods. Our environment can be destroyed because we do not stand up to the negative and destructive influences that someone else may bring into it. There are times when we only need to lend an unselfish helping hand to others in order to bring happiness and comfort to that individual. I guess the moral of this story is that we all must be willing to step up and step in to do whatever we can with what talents and abilities we have to make this world a better place. And if a pet rock can be a part of a winning team surely you can.
 I hope something was said here to inspire you to find your "Super-ness".
 Have a great day. I love you all.
 Dennis

As I lay Still

  Today was quiet and hot. I admit that I was very lethargic and spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon in bed. I alternated between watching television and drifting off to sleep. Some days I simply seem to shut down. Perhaps it is my body's way of helping me to recover from my thoughts; which are sometimes abundant and deep.  I try not to ever worry because I personally believe that by doing so exhibits a lack of faith.  But I don't see myself as a man above any other and so I do drift, at times, into thoughts of "why", "what if", "when", and "how".  2012 has been a treacherous year for me and several of my friends. While I am encouraging others to hang in and they do the same for me I can't help but to peer through mist- filled eyes and look upwards for my help which has been promised to me. I remain in love with God, I know that life is truly worth living, and I believe that trouble does not always last.


  (Things I have done in my past) I have had my mantra recitations, I have asked my inner man to exchange places with my outer man, I have diligently read the writings of some of the most prolific pastors and preachers, and I subjected myself to even the dogmatic teachings of our world's most successful and charismatic religious leaders.  I've had discorse with Niche, parlayed with the plattitudes of Plato, rumminated over the ramblings of Homer, and sought enlightenment from wisdom subscribed by Socrates. Like the apostle Paul, I, too, have a thorn in my flesh. At some times I have displayed the faith of Peter and sought to tread water to my Jesus, but I began to sink, too. I felt that perhaps I was to be a champion for the Lord and go into battle, like King David.  War, however, left me with bloody hands and an eternal distaste for violence. I once led congregations and taught and preached to countless men, women and children only to distinctly learn that the greatest requirement for officiating over a house of God is to have one's own home blameless. I am careful to pray to God and not to loved ones who have passed away, for I remember King Saul and his visit to the witch of Endor.(1 Samuel Chapter 28).  


  So tomorrow may be different, or maybe not. They say it is always darkest before the storm and that joy comes in the morning after you have weeped all night. Has anyone been in a storm lately? Have any of you shed tears? Join in with me and let us weary God together. Let us pursue him and hold Him to His promises. Let us do this with boldness knowing that we have done our very best to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, repented of our wrongs daily, and have not sought after other gods.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11

  So we stay with God. Where else do we go and who else is worthy of following? We are created in His image and given life with His breath.  So I remain cognizant that within my heart I am able to listen to my heart for the will, direction, guidance and wisdom of God.  The difficulty is making quiet my own voice.

 I love you all.

 Dennis





Standing On Heaven While Living On Earth

 

  Today the sky is, once again, overcast and the weather is cool. An ideal day for a morning walk. I slept good and I feel I have need to walk because I have several things on my mind that I must decipher. I have no regrets concerning my life as it presents itself to me at this time. I fight off anxiety and fear by reminding myself that "all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Even the things we experience which are seemingly negative can be transformed into a good thing. 

  I hurt this morning, but simultaneously I feel my wounds healing. The truth is that during all of my circumstances I have been inundated with hope and prayers and support of so many loving people. Sometimes my days, (and especially the nights), can be so quiet that I feel alone in my current status, but I have been holding God's hand for many years and I know for a fact that "This, too, shall pass." Although my family of origin is sometimes silent throughout my transition they have proven to be there for me. I have siblings who do not unnecessarily pry or try to run any house but their own. I understand that we all have our own trials we are dealing with, but each time I call and speak to them they are there by my side with love and kindness and, most of all, their prayers and support. I am blessed to have them.

  I have seen a breakthrough for several of my dear friends over the past week; all because they had the courage to step out on faith and believe God and not listen to the naysayers around them. It is true that the testimony of others serves as an inspiration to those around them. In a real sense I suppose you can say that this is why I am still here.  I have been trying very hard not to take things too seriously these days. To be too grave does not allow one to see the big picture; the silver lining in the cloud or to smile in the very face of adversity. We cannot get ahead of God when it concerns our destiny. Being human, I am naturally inclined to attempt to work out my circumstances to the best of my abilities. My attempts always cause me to fall short. That is why I will dare to trust God with my life. I will cast off the natural, (the things I see with my own eyes), and walk in the Spirit so that I can and will trust that God is in control of this world.

  Today is overcast and the weather is cool and still the troubles of this world are plethora and sometimes we feel so alone. Shake it off, my brothers and sisters. Stand fast in the liberty in which Christ has made you free and do not get entangled in the bondage you have been so faithfully delivered from. Remember the times when you were brought out of those other impossible situations. There are more who are for us than there are against us. Therefore; I urge that you join with me and continue to be steadfast, unmovable, always going forward in the work of the Lord. Keep believing for a financial breakthrough right speedily and continue to believe that God has a remedy for your specific situation. Believe He has someone for you to love and who will deeply love you in return. Stand hand-in-hand with your friends and believe in MIRACLES for them without wavering. You say there is a God and you confess to believe in Him so step out of your flesh and into your spiritual self and start to profess and claim things to be as they should be and not as they are! There are no limits in the Spirit.  If you cannot grasp any of this then perhaps it is time for a fast.
  Have a great and productive day.
  I love you all.
  Dennis
 

Saturday Morning Seduction

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8

 I awoke refreshed and motivated to walk this morning and  I was out walking by 7:00 A.M.  There were some things I desired to do with my yard and a friend had advised me to do as much as I could before the noon sun was shining brightly.  I remembered how just yesterday I was wondering why I, (or my friends), never come across those big financial windfalls so many other people seem to receive. I thought about my friend who is working three jobs to support his family, another friend who has her heart set on running a full-time bakery, single mothers who are doing all they can to survive without having to barter their bodies for some man's meager provisions, the couple who are diligent in paying their tithes to their church but are still going through financial hardships. I know that several of us would bless our friends if ever a winning lottery ticket, a visit from Publishers Clearing House, an inheritance or merely an unexpected financial blessing landed in our lap.  This I sincerely believe because I have friends like that. You know them; if they have $10.00 you have $5.00 of that.

  I was halfway through my 1 hour walk when as I cruised past a mailbox my eyes caught a black object on the ground at the base of the mailbox.  I bent down and picked the item up which I immediately recognized was a small wallet.  As I continued my route, I looked through the wallet and noticed there was money folded and stuffed into one side. Also in the wallet was a bank card, several Wal Mart gift cards, some miscellaneous cards and an ID.  Isn't this just what I was speaking of earlier? I mean, here is an unexpected windfall; credit cards, cash and gift certificates and nobody around but me. After all, who can't do with a little extra money. Isn't God good?

                                       Now you know better than that!

   I rounded the corner where I normally begin my return journey. As I came back by the mailbox where I discovered the wallet I went to the home and rung the doorbell. After a short while a young woman came to the door. I apologized for disturbing her and proceeded to ask if the person who's name was on the ID card lived there. She assured me she had no idea who the person was and thanked me for checking with them.  I did the same for the house next door.  I continued on to my house and after having no success in locating the person on Facebook or Google searches I received the idea to deliver the wallet to the bank identified on the credit card.  The bank manager was all to happy to call the individual and report to him that his entire wallet had been delivered to her office. I thanked her and she thanked me and I left feeling victorious.

  Sometimes even good people feel the need to take shortcuts towards their "blessings" but we realize that deep within our heart has already shown us what is right. Obedient is what you are called to be when no one is looking.  All I could think of is what a frantic state the person who lost the wallet must have been in. Perhaps that was his car payment, his gas money, his rent or grocery money. Perhaps it was his tithes. For me, it was no temptation to return the lost item for I have a duty to myself, as well as to God, to do unto others as I would like them to do unto me.

  When you are faced with an opportunity to take a shortcut towards your blessings please remember that our God does not need to partner with evil to bring about good in our life.

 Have a great and blessed day.

 I await the report of your blessing which is soon to come.

 I love you all,

 Dennis  

Fighting Through Fear

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6 (NIV)

 It wasn't easy getting out of bed this morning. I had a relatively quiet evening and retired before 11:00 P.M. however; the first of the month is always a busy time for me. I had sat down and worked out my necessary monthly expenses earlier this week and I was almost eager to get started. I was so enthusiastic that I nearly forsook my morning walk; telling myself that my plans were too important to delay.  As I was making my bed I was convicted by my decision making process and concluded that it was better- no, necessary, that I walk. My walks have proven to be very therapeutic for me. Not only is my circulation and weight loss improving but the time alone in the fresh morning air, the singing and trilling of birds, and the scenery throughout my neighborhood produces a calming effect that creates a conduit to God. In no time at all I find myself calm, clear-headed, highly reflective, and thankful. I am able to work out so many things as I walk and talk with God. Fears which continually press upon my soul are met with a strong, spiritual defiance and I feel myself smile. What are bills but something that need to be paid and by grace I am able to do so.  As I force-walk past the stately homes within my neighborhood I am clearly able to see the blessing of being able to live in such a place. I don't deserve anything because of what I have done. Sure, I dedicated over 20 years of my life to serving my country and I try to treat others with respect as much as humanly possible; even the very difficult ones. And as often as I attempt to bury some of my past I still have moments when I reflect on painful events in my life.  I am aware that the enemy desires to sift me; to tear me down and cause me to relinquish the favor God has placed upon my life, but I can proudly say that by God's grace I am still here.  When an animal is backed into a corner it will rise up against the most fierce adversary and stand and fight. We, as people, are no different.  When situations in our lives aggressively confront us we do not lie down and surrender, but we call upon whatever strength we have within ourselves and from on high and we come out swinging. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN EASY LIFE.

  After my morning "devotional walk" I was able to see my path more clearly. There is a calmness in my soul that will not allow me to worry about life's circumstances or the situations I am now facing. I continue to pray for my friends and family whom I have communicated with throughout the week. We sincerely love one another and when one bleeds the other feels their pain, but we are touching and agreeing for success through prayer.
 Have a great day and do not fear.
 I love you all.
 Dennis