Discussion: Should Christians join a Greek organization?

How do YOU feel about Christians pledging a Greek organization?
 

Don’t be shy, share your thoughts. Whether you are Greek or Non-Greek, it’s ok to discuss this.  It needs to be discussed.  Below is a link to a Facebook posting that has stirred some feelings on YouTube.  Read it and share your thoughts about it.  Also, check out this YouTube Channel that has people who denounced Greek organizations due to Christian principles.  After reviewing the channel, share your thoughts below in the comment section.  God bless!
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/WorshipingJesus (Make sure to check out “Ex-Black Greeks Speak Out”)
Rachum Adrian Lamad
Freemasonry, Fraternities, and occultism
Fraternities and Freemasonry have infiltrated churches for a very long time. When I was younger, I vaguely understood fraternities. I originally conceived at them as silly benign cliques found in universities and other locations. I was wrong for fraternities are much bigger than that. 

Many fraternities and sororities among a variety of ethnic groups that make up many world leaders (like engineers, politicians, scientists, lawyers, doctors, athletes, etc.). There are a lot of connections between Freemasonry and Greek Lettered Fraternities. Even Paul Rich, who is a 32nd Degree Freemason, wrote that GLOs are cousins to the Masons. Freemasonry is related to the ancient Mysteries as exposed by even Masonic sources.

In the Masonic book “The Spirit of Masonry” which was published in 1775 we are told, “Masons know the way of gaining an understanding of Abrac.” Abrac is a type of magic. John Theophilus Desaguliers (1683-1744) has been called the father of speculative Freemasonry. Rainbow Girls is a Masonic group for girls and the Masonic group for boys is called DeMolay. Other Masonic appenages include the Order of Amaranth, the Order of the Builders, and others. rd th Strangely enough, 33 Degree Freemason James J. Davis founded the Mooseheart Home, 13 Degree York Rite Freemason Robert C. Fletcher was one of the founders of the Rotary International in 1905, and Mason O. Sam Cummings was an organizer of the Kiwanis International. The first main Fraternity in America was called Phi Beta Kappa. It was founded in 1773. John Heath was a founder, but he wasn’t a Mason since was 15 years old. Yet, Phi Beta Kappa founder Thomas Smith was a Mason of the Williamsburg Lodge. Smith became the President of Phi Beta Kappa in May 3, 1777.

9 Other members of the fraternity joined the Masonic Lodge the next year. Other fraternities came about like Tau Beta Pi in 1885 and Sigma Xi for scientists in 1886. There is a website called the Black Church Page. NotYourTypicalNegro has a Youtube video about this subject. Watching and paying attention to things can help people to resist deception in the world. A lot of groups (not just false ministries) overtly explain their apostasy in their own website. The person with the Youtube video was criticized by a person with a Youtube account named Bishop321 (who is a woman). This woman said a lot of propaganda to NotYourTypicalNegro about how he accepts Eurocentric Christianity. That’s false since Jesus Christ is meant for all people irrespective of their nationality, sex, or race. Not to mention that not everything in Europe was wicked. Not everything in Africa was wicked as well. There are righteous people in Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and the world over. So, Bishop321 tried to utilize the race card in trying to intimidate NotYourTypicalNegro. That didn’t work since he found more information about this preacher.

Bishop321 uses deception in saying that being pastored is equal to being told the truth. No, God can easily reveal the truth fully via the Word of God unto anyone. She talks about opposing intolerance, but we have every right to be intolerant of all forms of evil.

The Bishop321 woman is affiliated with the site of http://www.theblackchurchpage.com/. The site has an image looking similar to Thaumaturgic Triangle symbol. The Thaumaturgic Triangle is known for being for magical purposes like spell casting or demon summing. Triangles have been exploited for occult purposes for years and they are readily embraced in Freemasonry. On the Board of Advisors of this site, Bishop321’s real name is shown on the page. The site has a place where you can set up an account. On the form, it asks for a Greek organization and a Masonic affiliation.

Why would they do this only if Freemasonry or Greek fraternities have infiltrated this site. This women claims to acquire a degree as well. So, real discerning people aren’t fooled at all.

GLOs or Greek Lettered Organizations have been exposed since early 2008 in a big way. They have been exposed like in no other time in history from my opinion. In many of these groups like the Delta Sigma Theta, there are women chanting via praising Delta. I saw a video of Deltas saying they will give all of their love, peace, and happiness to Delta. That’s wrong since we give all of our love to God ultimately. That type of devotion to a fraternity or sorority is definitely going too far.

There are those in the Alpha Kappa Alpha singing about sisterhood.
Those in Omega Psi Phi go into broad daylight stepping for Omega.
Yet, there is idolatry in these Greek Lettered Organizations.

Idolatry is the devotion, service, agreement with, or worship rendered to a false god or material image. It’s about the veneration of false gods. Many of the fraternities and sororities are affiliated with these false gods and goddesses.

Phi Beta Sigma pays homage to Horus. Phi Beta Sigma was created at Howard University in Washington D.C. at January 9, 1914. Its founders are A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and C. I. Brown (whose colors are royal blue and white). Horus is the Egyptian false god.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is associated with Qadesh or Qetesh. Qetesh is actually a Semitic nature goddess, not necessarily Egyptian. Now, Faye Wattleton is the famous once 14 year President of the murderous Planned Parenthood group. Faye is an AKA woman, who is responsible for the millions of babies being murdered. Faye received the 1986 American Humanist Award. She received other accolades, so Faye Wattleton is a woman of the establishment. Alpha
Phi Alpha (who is a fraternity) has the Sphinx as its logo.

Alpha Phi Alpha was created in 1906. The Sphinx was a mythological being with the head of a human with the body of a lion. They are typically meant as temple guardians. Sphinxes exist globally even in ancient Asian cultures as well. Sphinxes are used near the doors of Freemason Temples (2 of them in the Scottish Rite headquarters of Washington D.C. meaning wisdom and power). Charles H. Wesley is quoted to give glory to this fraternity with idolatrous words (as found in his book of the History of Alpha Phi Alpha, Development in College Life from 1981). Of course Delta Sigma Theta praises Minerva, which is the goddess of Wisdom (It’s symbolized with as an owl also. Minerva is also called Athena and Isis). Minerva is on the Delta Sigma Theta’s coat of arms. Delta Sigma Theta Inc. The Grand Chapter, Membership Intake Program from 1990

from pg. 106 admitted that: “…That is why Minerva the goddess of wisdom is our sorority mentor…” I will never embrace a false goddess as a mentor at all. Hence, the false goddess of Minerva overshadows Delta Sigma Theta.

Kappa Alpha Psi has Thoth (it’s the god of wisdom) in their rituals, and Zeta Psi Beta has the false cat god of Bastet (or the Devouring lady).

Again, AKA was the first of the black sororities. Their coat of arms have the Greek mythological Titan Atlas holding up the world.

The Bible on the other hand says that the Earth is of the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Also, Job 26:7 says that God holds the Earth on nothing. Altas hence represents the lies that the ancient Greeks believed in. They (or the AKAs) are quoted as saying: “…To thee O Alpha Kappa Alpha! We pledge our hearts, our minds our strength. To foster their teachings, obey thy Laws and make thee supreme in service to all mankind” (from pg. 39 of their ritual book).
Some of these groups knell on shrines to false god.

For example, pg. 14 of the ritual book of Kappa Alpha Psi says that: “…The Altar of Kappa Alpha Psi, which is the sacred Delphic Shrine, shall be placed in the center of the room and covered with a crimson and crown coverlet.” The Delphic Shrine was used as the shrine of the false god of Apollo (in the Greek polytheistic religion). They want to bow to the altar.

Sigma Gamma Rho refers to Ma’at as its inspiration. Omega Psi Phi is associated with Anubis. Anubis is the Egyptian mythological false god with a head of a jackal. He relates to the embalming of those who are dead. Anubis was involved with the Underworld in Egyptian mythology. There are other groups like this. In Greek culture, there are Greek elephants. Ironically, Delta Sigma Theta offers elephant shaped key chains.

There is a dog key chain offered for Omega Psi Phi.

Delta Sigma Theta’s Grand Chapter, Candidate Syllabus from 1990 on pg. 130 outline that: “…Our founders were well aware of the need to transfuse the ideals of Greek moral virtues with the later concepts of brotherhood and love…”

The Bible in Exodus 20:1-5 forbids having other gods before me, have graven images, and you can’t bow down to them. Therefore, these GLOs should never embrace false gods at all, especially as mascots for their organizations. The Deltas have this quote: “Question: What is the ultimate goal, then? Answer: Wisdom! The college educated woman seeks to become wise rather than smart. That is why MINERVA, the Goddess of Wisdom, is our Sorority mentor.” (DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC., GRAND CHAPTER, MEMBERSHIP INTAKE PROGRAM, 1987, p. 106.). Minerva is a false goddess and isn’t to be praised at all.

Minerva is the Roman goddess. The Greek version of Minerva is called Athena. Celebrations and altars were utilized for this false goddess. The Delta Sigma Sorority Crest or Coat of Arms was designed by Soror F. Ailene Marks and Soror Jeanette Tripplet Jones (both are of the Lambda). It was authorized by the 1934 executive committee. The sword to them means truth and the staff is representative of leadership. The laurel is a symbol of achievement as used by the Greeks. NPHC (or the
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.) is one umbrella group of 9 African American Greek fraternities and sororities internationally. So, I wouldn’t be involved in the hazing filled, false gods embracing GLOs at all. There are tattoos and bands in these groups as well. We are tattooed by God’s Spirit if we are real believers in God. We don’t need to have man-made tattoos in our flesh (1 Cor. 3:16-17, Lev. 19:28, 2 Cor. 5:17, and Matthew 22:37-38).

Ex-Sorority member (of Sigma Gamma Rho) and Christian Helene Previl gave her story to another Christian named David Williams. Previl is an expert since she was apart of that fraternal culture in college. Helene was apart of Florida International University.

Sigma Gamma Rho was created by 7 female school teachers. from November 12, 1922. They were from Indianapolis, Indiana. Of course, ΣΓΡ claims to be all about public service, a non-profit group, and they want to improve the quality of life inside of many communities. Each new members of ΣΓΡ must know of their history as well. Previl was once a leader in the ΣΓΡ. Helene Previl defined a sorority or fraternity as an organized group that is composed of pagan beliefs plus rituals. Their purpose is to prepare young individuals to continue on the legacy of secret societies via brainwashing and subliminal mind control. That’s an accurate definition since GLOs are typically about dealing with the involvement of brainwashing young folks to embrace too much conformity.

Much brainwashing is involved in such organizations. She (or Helene) pledged in the sorority. A pledge is a person who has been accepted for membership in a fraternity (or similar group) and has promised to join, but this person hasn’t been initiated yet. She even went into National Boule conferences. A Boule is a legislative council of advisors. Boule comes from the advisors to ancient Greek kings. Helene watched pagan Haitian voodoo rituals. Now, Helene said that she saw rituals performed as a soror that were similar to those done in the practice of voodoo. Voodoo is a powerful form of witchcraft. Most GLOs have oaths of secrecy that candidates do before they receive full entry (This is similar to Freemasonry definitely with their secret death oaths). Helene said that she was required to repeat their oath constantly. She said that those wearing a ΣΓΡ shirt who isn’t a member can be sued (since it’s a trademarked image).

 

An Overloaded Life

Glynnis Whitwer December 7, 2011

An Overloaded Life
Glynnis Whitwer

“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)

We crammed suitcases, backpacks and tote bags on a luggage cart and raced to the ticket counter. Late for our flight, we thought it would save time to put everything on one cart and run.

Every few steps, something started slipping. My husband was pushing, I was pulling – both of us trying to balance the overloaded cart. We were doing okay until we approached the elevator.

Our oldest son, seven at the time, held the elevator door open. But, as we went over the sloped curb bags started falling. Robbie, who was three and had a broken foot, stopped in front of the cart. My husband didn’t see him as he reached for a slipping bag and ran over Robbie’s foot.

Robbie screamed, my husband yelled for help and the elevator beeped to tell us the door had been open too long. Our son Josh started crying in fear. Within seconds, we were in a total meltdown.

If only … if only we had left our hotel with extra time, if only we had anticipated the wait at the rental car return, if only we hadn’t overloaded the cart, if only we hadn’t gotten frustrated with scared and hurt children.

Regrets weighed heavy as we ran to our gate, making our flight with seconds to spare.

I wish that day was an exception, but during that time in my life I always tried to do one last thing before leaving the house, fit one more errand into an already busy afternoon, or take on more than I could handle.

The problem? I had an overloaded life.

My responsibilities outweighed my capacity to manage them. Every day I was frustrated — at myself, my home, husband and children. Why couldn’t anyone get it together?! Why didn’t the demands stop? Why did everyone NEED me so much?!

The day came when I couldn’t deny reality any more. I couldn’t blame, find excuses or procrastinate. I was falling apart, and my family was suffering. My techniques had to stop.

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” That’s just what I needed to do. Although it was painful, I took an honest look at all my responsibilities, projects, priorities and tasks, and paid careful attention to what I was doing well and what I was neglecting.

I listed things I needed to do for home, work, family. What needed to be done now, and future projects. I recorded volunteer responsibilities at school and church. It took days, as things came to mind that I’d forgotten. When I was done I wanted to burn it and start over – it was that overwhelming.

Instead, I started to edit. After spending lots of time in prayer, seeking God’s will in that season of my life, I crossed through responsibilities I didn’t feel called to any more, and things other people could do. I whittled my list down to what I could manage given my priorities as a wife and mom of three little boys.

Some things could be edited out of my life immediately, while other commitments needed to be fulfilled before I removed them from my schedule.

Finally life became manageable. The underlying anxiety that I “should” be doing something all the time ceased. My never-ending list became a “Project” list I manage weekly. And from that list I pull the tasks that become my to-do list for the week or day.

God has since added two girls to our family through adoption, so now I’m the mother of five. And they all still need me. But, by knowing the condition of my flocks, I’m able to manage the controllable parts of my life so I can better deal with the uncontrollable parts.

I’ll probably always deal with the tendency to believe I can do more than I really can. But I’ve realized my optimism can hurt me and my loved ones if I don’t balance it with wisdom and a careful look at the reality of my life at this present moment. I’ve learned the hard way – an overloaded life leads to meltdowns. But a well-managed life leads to balance and peace.

Dear Lord, You know how crazy and out of control my life can be. But You’ve called me to a well-managed life. Help me manage better what I can control, and in doing so, prepare for what I can’t control. I need Your wisdom and discernment today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis’ blog today where she’s talking more about creating a project management system to oversee all your responsibilities.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

Do you ever feel overloaded? Starting January 9th, Glynnis is hosting “15-Days to Living Clutter-FREE” on her blog. She’ll be sharing ways to reduce the clutter in our minds, schedules, offices and homes. Visit her blog today for more information.

You Don’t Like Me by Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst You Don’t Like Me
Lysa TerKeurst

“Do not be anxious about anything…” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

“You are not liked.”

“Who are you to think you could do that?”

“Why did you say that? Everyone thinks you’re annoying.”

“Your kids just illustrated every inadequacy you have as a mom.”

“You are invisible.”

Have you ever been taunted by these thoughts? I have. Why do we let such destructive words fall hard on our souls? Toxic thoughts are so dangerous because they leave no room for truth to flourish. And in the absence of truth, lies reign.

The other day I was discussing something with my husband and I said, “I know you think I’m being annoying and overly protective about this but…”

He stopped me and said, “How do you know that’s what I’m thinking? Please don’t hold me liable for saying things that are really only thoughts in your mind.”

Wow. He’s so right. He hadn’t said those things. I was assuming he was thinking them and operating as if those toxic thoughts were reality.

I think we girls do this way too often. People aren’t thinking about us and assessing us nearly as much as we think they are.

As Christian women we should hold our thoughts to a higher standard. How dare these run away thoughts be allowed to simply parade about as if they are true and manipulate us into feeling insecure, inadequate, and misunderstood! Oh how much trouble we invite into our lives based on assumptions. We are instructed:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-9 NIV 1984)

This is probably a verse you’ve read before. But, have you thought of applying it to your every thought…especially the toxic ones?

We are to think on, ponder and park our minds on constructive thoughts—not destructive thoughts. Thoughts that build up not tear down. Thoughts that breathe life not drain the life from us. Thoughts that lead to goodness not anxiety.

So, here are three questions we’d do well to ask ourselves when thoughts are dragging us down.

1. Did someone actually say this or am I assuming they are thinking it?

If they actually said it, deal with it then. If I’m assuming it, that’s unfair to them and unnecessarily damaging to me. Instead of staying anxious, I need to seek truth by seeking God and asking Him for peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

2. Have I been actively engaging with truth lately?

The more we read God’s truths and let truth fill our mind, the less time we’ll spend contemplating untruths.

Thinking run-away, worrisome thoughts invites anxiety. Thinking thoughts of truth wraps my mind in peace and helps me rise above my circumstances.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. Are certain situations or friendships feeding my insecurities?

If so, maybe I need to take a break from these for a season.

I need to seek friendships that are characterized by truth, honor, and love.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Good gracious I know this is tough stuff. I know these issues can be more complicated than three simple questions. But it’s a good place to start holding our thoughts accountable.

After all, how a woman thinks is often how she lives.

I think we need to read that one again, don’t you? How a woman thinks is often how she lives. May we think upon and live out truth—and only truth today.

Dear Lord, reveal to me untruths throughout my day that can so easily distract and discourage me. Help me see You and Your truth in all I do. You have taught that only Your truth will set me free. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Give your friends an amazing gift today. It’s free. It’s life changing. It will strengthen her heart and make your friendship feel safe. To read more about this gift, visit Lysa’s blog today by clicking here.

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.

If you enjoy Lysa’s devotions, be sure to sign up for notes of encouragement she sends out from her blog by clicking here. They are free and great for passing along to friends.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, your purchase supports many areas of ministry we provide at no cost. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us!

Application Steps:
We’ve got to hold our thoughts to a higher standard. Oh how much trouble we invite into our lives based on assumptions. Look up powerful verses on truth in the Bible. Seek wisdom and peace in the words of truth Jesus spoke.

Reflections:
The more I read God’s truths and let truth fill my mind, the less time I’ll spend contemplating untruths.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:15, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (NIV 1984)

John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV 1984)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Unfriended! Parenting in a Social Media World

Unfriended! Parenting in a Social Media World
Catherine Hickem, L.C.S.W.

In today’s world of technology, we seem to have encountered issues and challenges our parents did not face.  It is hard to believe there are truly new issues, but social media is a creation which the world had never seen until the end of the last century.

As with most cultural changes, there are blessings and curses associated with each new phenomenon.  In the last several months, we witnessed a nation’s ruling party be overturned, due in part to the influence social media had upon its citizens.  If it can impact a nation, whatever is it doing to today’s families?

Unfortunately, we are seeing issues surface which reflect the state of the family’s condition through social media relationships. Thankfully, there are numerous ways parents can regain lost ground in this new era of communication. Let me highlight some opportunities, as well as responsibilities, parents need to seize in order to establish healthy habits in the home:

The Early Years

Today’s young children are being exposed to the computer at very early ages.  In fact, there is software that introduces a young child to the computer in order to make it more appealing and fun. Some of these products can be helpful in learning numbers and ABC’s, but they should not replace books, flash cards, and puzzles.  It should be a supplemental method and not the primary way children learn the basics.

Computer time should be limited to no more than 30 minutes per day and only if the child is interested in being on the computer. Games are an excuse for children to be on it for longer periods of time, but do not let their enjoyment persuade you to allow extended time on the computer.

Children below the age of ten have no business owning a cell phone or having a Facebook or Twitter page.  They do not have the maturity to deal with the freedom and the responsibility that come with managing multiple relationships.  Here is where the problems typically begin.

I often hear the argument that a seven year old needs a cell phone so if a problem should arise while they are at a sleepover, they can notify their parents. My argument to that is if a parent thinks there is going to be an issue, then don’t allow the child to stay overnight.  Technology has allowed too much responsibility to be placed on the child for their own well-being and this is simply unfair and unhealthy.  Children need to grow up with parents doing their job so they do not have to grow up too quickly.

Tweens

Social media for children and tweens under twelve is typically asking for problems. Parents will hear the argument that everyone has a Facebook or Twitter account, but don’t let that stop you from being firm on this matter.  Once your child has one of these outlets, you are going to have to be involved quite frequently in order to guide, protect, and teach your child how to handle the responsibility.

Cell phones need to be monitored because this age seems to struggle when it comes to time management, relationships, and good judgment. This is not a criticism, but just a by-product of where they are developmentally. More often than not, this age group simply does not think about how their actions may have long term implications.

One of my friends recently shared with me that she was returning home from a road trip and noticed a bus from a local school about three hours from home. As she drove around the bus, she discovered the girls had written their cell phone numbers on paper and placed them in the window so people could get their number to call them.  What was particularly scary to my friend was that she witnessed a trucker slowing down alongside the bus as if he was taking the numbers down. The potential danger in this situation is unimaginable.

Limit computer time to no more than an hour a day and be sure the computer is in the main part of the house. Do not let your middle school children have computers in their rooms because it removes your ability to monitor their activity and screen habits. They won’t like this, but that is okay. It is not your job to make them happy, but to protect them from themselves and teach them the lost virtue of moderation.

The High School Years

This season is especially tricky for parents because they do not want to have one more battle on their hands.  However, teens should never have accounts that do not give you complete access to them. There is software you can install on all of your household computers which allows you to get a report on the sites that have been visited. This is not a bad idea if you need to monitor computers with multiple users.

Another healthy habit is for parents to sit down with their teen on a monthly basis and go over entries on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. This will help you become familiar with where your teens are spending their time. You will learn a lot when you see photos, read stories, and ask questions. Most parents would be shocked if they knew what their teens knew, saw, and read from their “friends”.

Texting has gotten out of control at every age and it seems as if families cannot eat in peace without family members texting through dinner. Establish ground rules for your family, adults included, so time to talk, share, and listen are a normal part of your family’s interactions. Set up ‘no-texting’ times and zones and be firm on this matter. Otherwise, technology will control your family instead of you controlling it.

Parents

Teenagers and young adults do not need or want to see pictures of their parents partying out of control or acting inappropriately. Even if they are present when the pictures are taken, it is a completely different issue for them to leave their personal world and go onto a site the entire world can see and observe.  Bottom line, they do not want to be embarrassed in front of their friends. Parents need to consider how their postings and photos will impact their offspring.

Another issue parents need to consider centers around the idea of parents seeking to be “friends” with their teen’s friends.  This is highly inappropriate and places an undue burden on their children.  It completely destroys trust and undermines a parent’s role for that child. Know your teen’s friends the old fashioned way: face to face. This will allow you to maintain your position as a parent and establish your authority in a healthy and meaningful way.

Technology is a wonderful contribution to our lives if parents allow it to be a tool instead of a substitute for real relationships. Healthy parents will make sure they are creating balance, teaching responsibility, and using it as an opportunity to assess their child’s emotional maturity. By being intentional in this ever changing area of life, they will greatly reduce the likelihood of having regrets. After all, every parent wants to know they have done all they can do to raise healthy, well-adjusted children.

March 3, 2011

Catherine Hickem, L.C.S.W., is the author of the new book Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You’re Doing It Right, releasing March 2011 (Thomas Nelson) and is a licensed psychotherapist with three decades of experience. Hickem is a motherhood expert who has made it her life’s mission to equip moms for every facet of raising exceptional children. Author, speaker, coach, and counselor, she founded Intentional Moms, a national not-for-profit organization that provides information, support, and insights on motherhood. Hickem lives in Delray Beach, Florida with her husband Neil. They have two adult children. To read Catherine’s blog visit www.intentionalmoms.com

For Men: Word Choice

This week’s reading: Proverbs 15:1–15

The ability to master our mouths, watch our words and tame our tongues demonstrates a level of spiritual and emotional maturity. The opposite is true as well. An inability to control our speech shows immaturity, and it can inflict great harm on our relationships.

Solomon addresses the importance of controlling our words by contrasting positive and negative speech. In each case, the effects end up as opposites: peacefulness or wrath, knowledge or folly, healing or a crushed spirit. In other words, when we fail to control our tongue, we don’t just fail to give, or be, a blessing. We also cause a wound that can rupture a relationship.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, states that he asks audiences whether they can go 24 hours without saying any unkind words about or to anyone. Invariably, a few people answer “yes,” but most call out “no!” He responds, “Those who can’t answer ‘yes’ have a serious problem. If you can’t go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you’re addicted to alcohol. If you can’t last 24 hours without smoking, you’re addicted to nicotine. And if you can’t make it 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, you’ve lost control of your tongue.”

How can you tell whether your tongue is under control? You won’t say anything about an individual that you can’t say directly to that person. You resist the urge to exaggerate. You consciously examine your thoughts and remove gossip and rumors from your conversations. You keep in confidence a personal matter that someone else shares with you. Further, you learn to speak positive words. Appropriate words communicate affirmation, comfort and healing.

When was the last time you said something to another person that you instantly regretted? Maybe it was something intended as a joke that was instead taken as an offense, or perhaps it was a sharp word spoken in anger that you wish you could have taken back. Think of a specific situation, and then challenge yourself to rectify the hurt. While you may not be able to take back the words themselves, you can humbly submit yourself to that person and begin to rebuild the relationship.

To Take Away

  • Do you think most men struggle with controlling their words? Why or why not?
  • How would others evaluate your speech? Would they say that your words more frequently heal or wound?
  • What steps can you take to gain tighter control over your tongue?

Recommended Reading: Psalm 34:13–14; James 3:1–12

Happy Tuesday! Strive for a Touchdown!

Song for today: Good Morning by Mandisa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ovNZTpVcU

“Find away to Leap, Jump, Run thru life’s Distractions, Negativity, Failure even when You lose some costly yards today keep in mind there are 364 more days in the year so tomorrow present’s another Oppurtunity, Chance for a Successful touchdown.”

“PLEASE know if/when You step on the field of life PLEASE be prepared to get Hit *HARD*, MisTreated(Talked About), DisLiked(Hated On)based upon the objective is to keep You from scoring & winning the CHAMPIONSHIP.” -Lamar Walter

Happy Tuesday! 

LaShawnda

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday!!!

Let’s start the work week off right! Here’s Beckha Shae and Victory World Music with “Shake Heaven”!!!

Have a great day!

La

Happy Monday!!!

Oh… here’s a prank they played on Montel Jordan during the “taping” of the video. Funny!