Wake Up: Racism Is Still Prevalent In America

My heart really goes out to the families of the people slain by the late Wade Michael Page, a white supremacist. I started to think about this very hard and came to the realization that racism is still prevalent in America. Racism is a belief held by an individual or group hating another individual or group based on color, religion, creed, age, appearance, or background. I hate to say this but I need to say this. Racism is still prevalent in America today. Just a couple of weeks ago, a black couple's wedding had to be held at another church because the predominantly white church were mortified to have another race on it's premises. During my days of living in North Carolina, I remember going to a school in Princeton where the staff including teachers and principals were racists. I remember people of my own race shared racist comments about Caucasians and Mexicans (oh yeah, African American can be just as racist as the most hateful KKK member). Shoot, I've made various racist comments in my time in the Army and thereafter ("I ain't lying, I ain't lying"-Madea voice). Racism has been here since the beginning of time and the beginning of the U.S.A. Over years, we've experienced slavery, Jim Crow laws, laws against the Native Americans, American concentration camps of the Asian population during World War II, and of course the civil rights movement. In the late 20th century to this present time, it "seems" racism is nonexistent. Various people from all walks of life are working together in the workplace, studying in the universities, playing in professional sports, and chat with each other on social networking sites. We think that it's all good and we've learned from the late Rodney King, "to all get along." However, this recent shooting should raise a red flag for us today. Has racism really gone away? I say that it hasn't. Yeah, some of you may say, Dave, you're entitled to your own opinion. But here are the facts I see in everyday life. Matter of fact, let me pose some questions to you and then let them marinate in your conscience for a while:

• Why are there still white supremacist groups still hateful against other races?
• Why are there still "black power" movements still taking aim at the white man for what happened to their ancestors centuries ago?
• Why are black people still thinking all white people are "the man" and blame them for all that's wrong in their lives?
• Why do Americas look at all Mexican workers as robbers of jobs in the marketplace?
• Why are churches who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and God still separated based on race, color, creeds, worship styles, and background?
• Why are there stigmata between the various groups of the Latino culture such as dialects, country, etc.?
• Why do us"native" (anyone born in the US) Americans hate on other races/cultures coming here to the US to attain a better life?
• Why are there many cities across the US still "silently" promoting divisions for different races to live?
• Why is there a prevalence of injustice toward Native Americans?
• Why are people still systematically teaching racism to the up and coming generations?

Why, Oh why, my friends? What happened to the community in Wisconsin should be a reminder and wake up call that racism is still prevalent in America. People are going to various extremes like mass-murder, monetary corruption, gang activity, political corruption, and fanatical religious crusades to destroy another who they deem as impure. This is what happens when our hearts aren't congruent with the heart of God. God loves all people. He doesn't like our sin (as many try to justify) but loves us all the same. When He came and died, He did it for all mankind. The great write Paul said in his testimony to the Greek philosophers in Athens that God made us from one blood all nations of the earth (Acts 17:26). Because of sin and just human nature (as Michael Jackson perfect examined), we hate each other. My thing is, everyone from the atheist to the Buddhist envision a life after this, some sort of heavenly place. No more crying, no more sickness, and for us who hate working everyday, no more bills ( smile). But we're still on this racism tip, which is mostly now undercover (hello). This is a point I must get across to  us all. Who do you think is going to be in heaven? Is it going to be God, the angels, and one particular number or race? I think not. John who had a vision in the isle of Patmos had a vision of heaven and the constituents living there. He saw God, the angels, and an innumerable amount of people of all nations, kindred, and languages there whose lives were washed in the blood of Lamb (Revelation 7:9). They all were seen worshipping the King together in harmony and in unity. Racism isn't a thought of love or maybe constructive criticism, it's a thought of hate, separation, and evil. Believe you me, God ain't down with it. My friends, I'm just as guilty of racism as Wade Michael Page because I've done some racist stuff in my 31 years on earth. But thank God for massaging my heart and to raise awareness of racism in the US. 

Til next time, dgwo.

References:

Acts 17:22-33

Revelation 7:1-9

To The Veterans: You Are Not Forgotten!

I've been wanting to write a post about this matter for a long time now. This is a sticky subject but someone has to stand up and say something. This one is dedicated to my brothers and sisters who've served time in the Armed Forces. Whether you did 30 years, 15 years, or 5, you served your country. Whether you retired, were discharged for medical reasons, regularly ETS'd, or put out on a dishonorable discharge, you served your country! I myself have been out the Army for almost 9 years now and I'm grateful for all I experienced. From the 12 plus hour days of working in a post office in Germany, to getting my behind burnt in the Middle East, I'm grateful. I wasn't the best soldier and yes I caused a lot of problems, but I did serve my country for 4 and a half years. My wife did 5 years in the Army and did a way better job of being a soldier than I did. Many of my friends are military vets and served their country faithful for whatever time they did. However, I see something a lot of people don't want to touch. A lot of times, especially within the Central Texas area (except for Memorial Day/Labor Day), veterans no longer in the military are forgotten. What do you mean they are forgotten, David? Listen here sonny boy and fair lady. I see more veterans coming out the military having more mental trauma than every before from all the deployments they've had to go on. Now, I'm not talking about vets from other eras (Nam, Desert Storm: they're forgotten, too), I'm talking about the young heads from 22-26 coming out the military. Some of them have had to go on 2-5 (maybe 6) deployments within their military careers. From the years 2003-2010, some vets had to go on two or more deployments within a 1 and a half to 3 year time span. They've had to leave their families to take the brunt of raising their kids. At times, I've seen the military make both parents of children get deployed and saw families disintegrate like flames to paper. I'm seeing more people battle with addictions like drugs, alcohol, and sex because of the trauma they experienced in the military or sometimes intensifying underlying problems before entering into the military. I see more vets coming out these days not being given the full 180 day ACAP process because superiors staying in the military consider them as traitors to wars without cause (you know what I'm talking about). Even the ACAP process doesn't fully prepare you for what's to come (especially in the biggest military post in the world -hint, hint). I'm seeing veterans who've fought with the VA to get their pension for years and still get denied. They have legitimate reasons and documentation to be compensated but it doesn't happen. I see much more than I can comment about but I will say this with encouraging words. You are not forgotten. There are various avenues of opportunities to help you make it through this thing most vets called "the outside world." You have been given benefits such as Post 9/11 GI-Bill, which pays for your educational costs plus gives you BAH. If you need assistance in getting your compensation and pension process, organizations like DAV and American Legion will help you in this feat. Most importantly, there are every day people who haven't taken your labors in vain. They remember your sacrifices and are raising cane in Washington D.C. on your behalf to help life outside of the military better. If this sounds like a rant, well it is. Not just a personal rant but a rant for the men and women who had to sacrifice a lot to everything for America. It's time America gives honor where it's due. I'm not saying the world should revolve around vets. I'm not saying baby us vets to make our lives easier. At least give the vets respect. To the military personnel in the Armed services, if you know soldiers are getting out, support them. Don't treat them like traitors. They made the decision to get out so it's your obligation to make sure their ACAP process is smooth, comfortable (if that's possible), and helpful for them. Getting out the military is not an easy process and the future is definitely uncertain. As the economic woes continue to occur, veterans and those contemplating leaving the military are faced with hard decisions. Job market. Bills. The whole nine yards. America, especially those in high level positions in the military and political realms; even the average American, be considerate about us vets. Let's not treat veterans as scrap metal, used up, then beat up, and then thrown away. Most importantly, when you feel no one understand your frustration, the agony of remembering the deaths of fellow soldiers, the addictions, and the hardships of making it out here in the outside world, remember God hasn't forgotten you. David said it best when he said how God was mindful of him. We just got to know the same God who makes sure to feed the animals will much more make sure we eat and have a place to stay. I know it's hard, especially in times of foreclosure, eviction, and homelessness (I've been near homeless myself when I first got out in 2003). But trust God. He hasn't forgotten us. Well, that's all I've got to say about that. I hope these words help you along this arduous road of life. To the veterans, you are not forgotten!

Reference:

Psalms 8:4
Matthew 6:25-26
www.va.gov (Main VA website)
www.dav.org (DAV website)
www.legion.org (American Legion website)
www.ecfr.gpoacess.gov (federal entitlements for veterans-Title 38)
www.gibill.va.gov (GI Bill)
www.military.com (vast info on veteran benefits such as job leads, etc.)

Pride Is A Dangerous Thing

Sometimes in life, you've got to come straight from the heart about what you're truly dealing with. One of my main issues in my life is pride and I know I'm not the only one who has to fight against it daily (that's right I said daily!). Pride is a sneaky little devil that enters the heart and mind of man influencing us to "exalt ourselves above measure." We attain knowledge and wisdom allowing ourselves to get puffed up. We get rich from successful business ventures and discontinue our need to rely on God. People with abundance of wealth (money, education, health care, laws, religion) are coming together to make life unbearable for the increasing masses unable to have the necessities of life (the 1%=N.W.O.). The masses stuff feeling our writings or music and we start to get the big head when it should be about God.  We know we have issues we need help with but figure we can handle things all by ourselves. Hmmm... Well, enter into the mind of David G.W. Overton for a second while I expose what I wrote in my journal ("the type of stuff that'll in-jure you" - Da' T.R.U.T.H - Price Tag-'07).

August 7, 2012, 7:05 am:

This morning, I woke up repenting to God for not repenting every day I should. Last night, I felt this urge to truly lay down my life for God. I started to feel like I didn't need to repent because of my title, my giftings, and labors for Him. I realized a stumbling block in my life and it's called pride. Pride is a dangerous thing. It'll make you think you're up there when you're really down there. Pride will have you believe you don't need God. Pride will make you trust in things instead of the One who made those things. I've found myself trusting more in resources than in the Source. It's gonna take discipline and hard work to break this attitude down. The true success is coming to God naked and unashamed. In pride, we cloak ourselves to hide our weaknesses, short comings, and dirty work. Pride is a partition separating us from God. Pride is as simple as not asking others for help in times of need. That's a big problem of mine nowadays. Pride closes you off from giving and receiving love. Pride dilutes the true power of knowledge, which is to first humble ourselves before God. Pride is believing in self-sufficiency. Pride is looking down on others based on their appearance, age, race, problems, culture, and current living arrangements. Pride is withholding help for others when they need it. Pride is thinking our own ways are right but in God's sight is wrong. Pride is not acknowledging God at all, which sort of gives us a liquor licenses to stay in various sins. Solomon was well acquainted with pride and he shared these words in Proverbs 16:18:

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Pride is what caused Lucifer, Adam and Eve, and many of us today to fall from grace. Pride is the fast track to destruction. Ask many world renown drug pushers, musicians, singers, rappers, preachers, and politicians. They thought themselves to be something when they were really nothing without God. Take heed to Proverbs 16:18. It was written by a man who was inspired by God to tell on himself as well as show the effects of walking in pride. It has many shapes, attitudes, forms, and actions. None of us should say we have no faults, mistakes, imperfections, sin, or pride in our lives. If we do, then we're deceiving our own selves and the truth (according to Jesus Christ) ain't in us (1st John 1:8). We're just a bunch of successful liars. Let's search ourselves, it's ugly head is there. When we find it, take it's head and throw it in the fire. The root of all sin is pride and if left unchecked, the consequences are horrendous.

Til next time, dgwo

Reference:

Proverbs 16:18
Isaiah 14:12-15
1st John 1:8

The True Meaning of Respect

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, that's what this means to me (sorry, ppl, I had to do -it: Aretha Franklin)." She made a valid point when she sang those lyrics. Respect is key to our livelihood, welfare, and being. Showing respect and being respected (for the right things) will take us a long way. Showing disrespect and being disrespected is just a pathway way to a whole bunch of nonsense. This is a trait the Lord Jesus Christ implemented in His thoughts, words, and actions. No matter how many people hated Him and wanted Him dead, He stood up for truth. He didn't compromise. No matter how much His enemies hated Him, they respected Him because He stood for what was right. Respect is the other side of walking in truth. It's about integrity and honesty. The great Machiavelli wrote, "it's better to be feared than loved." I have a better quote. "It's better to be hated than respected than to be liked and not respected." These days we're living in, the word respect is losing it's value. We have turned into a people who thrive on disrespect, other each other and God Himself. So today, I've a list little list concerning what respect really is:

Respect is giving honor to where honor's due. Respect is being on time for our jobs or being at an event we tell others we're going to be a part of. Respect is saying yes sir or no ma'am, no matter a person's age, background, religion, or creed. Respect is children not sticking their nose in grown folks' business. Respect is being polite to those who are destitute; be it may that they are homeless, on an addiction, or going through hard times. Respect is still being hospitable to our enemies through sincere acts of love for their well-being and not to get back at them. Respect is training people, whether it's an incoming employee or a high school thorough the various pearls of wisdom the right way. This way, they are set up for a great platform of success. Respect are husbands stopping their chauvinism of being a "man's man" and listening to their wives when they warn of making bad decisions (better ask Pontius Pilate-Matthew 27:19). Respect is men ceasing the exploitation women's chest size, waistline, and backsides in their lyrics, videos, and whatever forms of media being used. Respect is not busting into someone else's personal space, especially if their in a time of re-prioritizing their lives. Respect is politicians being representatives of the people, which includes speaking on various topics negatively affecting them, instead of fulfilling their own personal agendas. Respect is parents telling their kids the good, the bad, and the ugly to help their kids understand life rather than build a perfection example; which damages their kids' future. Respect is controlling our language (cursing) because it degrades us , others, and creates a hostile environment. Respect is holding rallies outside of some body's business because they made a statement concerning about our lifestyle that is wrong in God's sight (Chick-Fil-A vs. LGBT movements: yeah, I said it!). Respect is this nation as a whole remembering those who served this country and instead of throwing them away in memory because they no longer serve in the Armed Forces (vets, I got you!). Respect is listening when the elders talk to us about how we should handle things through sharing hard lessons they experienced in their past instead of ignoring them! Respect is praying for others who may be in a bad state in their lives instead of gossiping about them. Respect is being concerned for the less fortunate instead of waving around our material possessions in their face. Respect is thinking twice about ruining or ending someone else's life over something that's temporal. Respect is telling people how you really feel about them instead of smiling in their face but stabbing them in their back. Respect is supporting those who are doing a good work instead of tearing them down. Respect is knowing you are telling the truth and not backing down because a group of people (who know what they're doing is wrong) state otherwise.  Respect is still performing a task and treating others with respect when we are going through tough times in our lives.  Respect, which is the ultimate form, is thanking God for everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly instead of dissing Him because He doesn't do the following:

-agree with a lifestyle that is dead wrong
-bless us with things instantly like a microwaveable meal
-allows bad things to happen in life, which are allowed to turn our attention to Him

I truly hope this is a help to all of us. We've got to get back to respect, my friends. Without it, we aren't going anywhere. In closing, my cuzo Gabe Williams said this to me a couple of weeks ago:

"Respect takes us a long way but disrespect closes the doors of success and favor."

Amen to that. Til next time, dgwo.

Reference:

Study the life of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John)

You Got To Hear It Before You Can See It

I woke up this morning with the word sound in my head. For the past couple of days, I've heard this word taught, I've read this word in my study time, and then I experienced it again. This morning, I was reading about a time when Israel was going through a bad famine. Ahab, the king of Israel at the time was trying to find a way to get water and other necessities to survive. Three and some change years ago, Elijah had prayed for the rain to cease because of Ahab's evil ways; causing the whole nation to disobey God. Fast forward, Elijah heard a sound and it was the abundance of rain coming to nourish the ground. Then I was reading about Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about being born again. He told Nicodemus that the Spirit of God is like a wind he hears but can't tell where it comes from; so is everyone born again of the Spirit. My friends, we're living in a time of great dearth throughout the nations of the world. Financial crises, droughts, famines, unemployment, divorces, government shutdowns, and lack of quality education. But in times of great depression, recession, regression, and oppression, around the corner is a blessing. Now, David, how can you say that? To be honest, my friends, I have no clue. Right now, I'm experiencing famines in my life and fight everyday to renew my hope in God. But lately, I've been hearing a sound. This sound has been the voice of God telling me every thing's going to be alright. A lot of us, including myself, are like Thomas. He had to see and feel Jesus to know He had arose from the grave. But God is looking for a people of faith who will believe Him when He speaks. I truly believe that God is speaking expressly (openly) at all times but are we willing to hear and receive His words? In the midst of famines, questions, and doubts, God is always speaking of solutions that will make life more meaningful. Right now, we're not in a comfortable situation; sort of like the 4th quarter in the final 5 minutes of the game and we're down 10 points. But we have to slow down and when we hear that sound, we better stay put and listen. We have to be perfectly positioned to clearly hear the voice of God. We have to be set in place. The reason why Elijah and Nicodemus received what they received is because their ears were open. They let go of the pride and the trends of their times. There are so many trends and movements going on in America and many of us are off course in our lives. The only way we're going to get back on track is hearing the voice of God. So many of you are asking, how do I know it's God's voice? What will it sound like? To our own understanding, we won't understand it. This is why Solomon admonishes us to trust God with our whole heart, lean not to our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge and He'll direct our goings (Proverbs 3:5-7). We will know it's God because it'll sound out of line of what we're used to. When Sarah heard she would have a kid in her 90s, she laughed at him. When Jesus told Peter to cast his net on the other side, Peter looked at Him crazy. When Balaam was about to do something crazy, God spoke through a donkey to stop him. His voice is sweet, sort of similar to ours, and speaks nothing but the truth. We'll know it because deep inside, we'll try to ignore us when He's telling us we need to straighten up. Many times, He tell us things are being worked out when our present situation is getting more jacked up. But that's how He works. He set order when the world and the people in it was wilding out during the beginning stages of creation. His voice gives us specific instructions and directions to follow. Once we learn to obey it, dudes and dudettes, we'll on the fast track to success. Like my aunt told me years ago, the more we obey, the more we'll recognize His voice. Before we can see signs of success and pitfalls waiting to bring us down, we've got to hear God's voice. The voice of the other(s) that won't tell us truth we'll set us up for failure every time. Now, I'm saying all this because I'm perfect or reached a level of pure perfection. I'm still learning to get this sound thing myself. But I just wanted to share with everybody what I experienced today. Not a million dollars, not a new job, just  a new understanding of how this thing called life works. So this weekend, find you a good church with good teaching that won't tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear even if it hurts. If you do belong somewhere but ain't been awhile, and it's a good church, you need to go back there because God is definitely got great things in store for His people. If you belong to a church that doesn't present the truth the way Jesus intends it to be, throw the deuces and allow God to lead you to a place that will teach the truth. To those who may not be in the faith but you've been hearing signs from different people from places and venues, God is calling you for a specific purpose. You'll never know what it is until you allow yourself to hear what He's saying. I know this for myself and keep my mind there so I don't get above myself. Don't listen to these other sounds found in the media and bad company, which calls evil good and good evil. Listen to the voice of God, which makes us wise to what's good and simple to what's evil (Romans 16:19). In the words of a reputed murderer turned expositor:

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17


To all of us, understand God is always saying something, we just need to have an ear; open ear. The truth hurts but it heals, saves, delivers, directs, instructs, reassures, and blesses us tremendously. Then we believe what we hear, in due time, we're going to see it. We've got to walk by faith and not by sight.

Til next time, dgwo.

References:

1st Kings 18
John 3:7-8
Habakkuk 3:1-4

Don't Be A Slouch, Be Productive!

I was starting to write something else earlier but it looks like I'll be making a book out of it (stay tuned). But I guess today's blog will focus on being diligent. Solomon says this to us from Proverbs 12:24:

"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute."

So, what is diligence?  Here is the definition of diligence:

diligence: careful and persistent work or effort. 

Diligence is not only starting a project but seeing it through until finished. Diligence is moving forward no matter what comes against us. Diligence is always seeking innovative ways to make things happen. Diligence is keeping tuned to what's going on around us and maneuvering through the channels of life. 

When we are diligent, we will be presented before people of great status and given opportunities before many people. One of my favorite characters in the Bible is Joseph. He was a man betrayed, lied on, and cheated out his latter teenage years and his twenties due to slavery and prison. During these times, Joseph learned to be diligent where we was placed. He could have  been like us these days in American society who shut down every time things get rough. He could have been like us blaming people who did us wrong and left us to die in our situation. He could have hated God for allowing all those things to happen to him. But He bloomed where He was planted. One of two things are going to happen. We're either going to sink or swim. We're going to sit on the couch and let life pass us by or make the best out of every situation. He chose to suffer and be productive. He made it happen and was given leadership positions in his master's house as well as in the prison. He diligence led him to become ruler of all Egypt and fed many nations. In this time of recession, emotional depression, and moral regression, this is the hour God is calling us His people to be about their Father's business. He's calling the prodigal sons and even those who don't believe in God to become a part of the greatest revolution of change the world has ever seen. However, there's the end of the bargain we must fulfill and it requires us to be diligent. Hard work pays off. If Jesus never put in work in working miracles and dying on the cross for the eternal salvation of mankind, this world would be worse than what it is now. If Joseph became a slouch, all those nations during the famine would've died of hunger. What if I don't write these blogs everyday? I would increase the process of internal frustrations and miss the blessing for me that will bless countless others around the corner. Diligence is more than just us, it's about others who God wants to insert in His perfect plan. Well, I guess that says it all. To all those who've been diligent for what Jesus has called them to do, keep doing it. Just hold tight, your time is coming and coming very soon. To all who've given up, it's time for you to dream again and ask God to restore your hope in Him and to do what He's called you to do. To all who are diligent but whatever it is not pleasing God, consider Him and His ways. Change your will over to His and learn to be diligent in the things He has for you to do. 

Til next time, dgwo.

Reference:

Proverbs 12:24

Time To Take Care Of Ourselves

Us American's our addicted to being busy. It's true there are other nations whose people work way more than Americans do. However, our work atmosphere is always busy, chaotic, confusing, and downright stressful. We've got a lot going on and we rarely take the time to sit back and relax. I can say within the past six months, my life has been all these things I've mentioned and more. Just this past Saturday, I had the opportunity for the first time in a month to get my car washed and vacuumed. Just two weeks ago, I finally had the opportunity to thoroughly clean the house, which wasn't cleaned in almost 3 months (oh yeah, it was bad). I won't lie, y'all. It felt like the walls of life had crumbled on top of me and there was no way I was getting out. But I recently found out that I had to pull the plug on some things in life. I had to learn to say no. I had to learn not to show up for every little thing going on around me. I had to learn how to step back and get recharged again. I'm learning now to make sure the fire in my own marriage is still burning bright. For 5 days a week, I push myself to write these blogs just to air out concerns we all are going through. Plus, I got my first haircut within three weeks time this past Saturday. I became addicted to being busy; doing this and doing that. However, I was neglecting taking care of myself. I along with my wife was paying for the foolish mistake of not stepping back and getting a breather. For all those who have to carry various heavy weights of responsibilities, you relate to these symptoms of stress:

• Frustration
• Short Temperament
• Anger
• Bitterness
•  Sleeplessness/Restlessness
• Isolation
• Loss of Focus/Purpose
• Feelings of Hopelessness

I won't lie to you all, this is what I've felt for the past 6 months but thank God He showed me; "son, it's time to hit the breaks." I found myself dealing with these things in more ways than one. My prayer life was suffering dramatically. My tolerance for crazy people who were out to hurt my loved ones became less yet my anger growing stronger. I got tired of coming to a job I felt was useless and paid me less than what I felt like I was worth. I felt disconnected from my wife because the closeness we used to have was being severed by responsibilities and the problems of life. Some of you, even some of you who may know me very personally are probably dumfounded that I'm cleaning out my closet. To be honest, I'm not ashamed because I'm not the only one who feels, have felt, or will feel this way. When we don't take care of ourselves, we're on the fast track to destruction. Before we can put on the breaks, it's way too late. When we don't take care of ourselves, we become ineffective as husbands, as wives, as employees, as employers, as pastors, as leaders, as businessmen, and as a friend. Our minds are filled with negativity, our bodies are worn, and our soul is vexed. But one thing comes to mind. Jesus Christ, who is our most perfect example, dealt with these things, too. He dealt with frustration, anger, resentment, isolation, restlessness, and tiredness. However, He resorted Himself to going into a solitary place and praying to God for restoration and renewal. He got away from the craziness and responsibilities of life just for a small time to get Himself together. He prayed for so many people, had to patiently teach His disciples things over and over again. He had to run from people who were out to kill him all the time. He had to deal with Satan always using people to tear Him down. He constantly fought against those mind wars sent His way to discourage Him. He needed time to relax. Why would God do this? How could He have dealt with all this? It's simple, He had to leave us a path to follow when we start to feel the effects of not taking care of ourselves. We've got to know our limits, my friends. We've got to learn how to stop being so busy trying to please people and take care of ourselves. I remember a "love talk" I  saw on YouTube with Stephen Hurd. He talked about this subject and now almost a year later, I see what he was saying. We've care to cater to our needs, learn to rest and relax. Laugh more than we do. Pray more for God to restore us. Get away from the negativity of people, places, and things. Study the Word of God to give us rest for our souls. Go to diner somewhere you like (even if it's Burger King) and break the monotony of the week. Go walking. Get a manicure, your hair did, a pedicure. Go to the mall, get a affordable massage. Chill out. Put some leave time in at the job. That job was there before you got there and probably we'll be right there when you. Those jokers will be alright. The feeling of taking care of yourself will do wonders. So if Jesus took moments when He needed to take care of Himself, who are we not to do the same? Right now, I'm in the mode of taking care of myself because I know me. I'll explode. But now, I'm in relax mode, trusting in God He'll handle my issues, and grab me a cup of sweet iced tea (or free ice water). 

Til next time, learn to relax, take care of yourselves, chill, dgwo.

Reference:

Matthew 11:28-30

Mark 1:35