I Know This Much

 

“Pilate therefore said unto him, ‘Art thou a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.’ Pilate saith unto him, ‘What is truth?’ And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, ‘I find in him no fault at all’.”
John 18:37-38, KJV

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”
Mahatma Gandhi

President Barack Obama gave his last State of the Union address on Tuesday night and from what I’ve read and heard about it, he kept it 100, otherwise known as keeping it real, better known as simply telling the truth. (I didn’t watch, because I forgot it came on when it did and…… whatever, don’t judge me…) Well, I must say this, I am absolutely, positively elated that he and his family made it to this point at all. I mean, if we’re gonna keep it 100, then let’s be brutally honest! The way this country is set up, by show of hands, who thought that the FBI, or the CIA, or even the KKK was gonna try to take the Obamas off the set?!?! (Kanye shrug, raises hand) I’m just saying, look at the long line of African American, (or Black) martyrs that have been created by the hands of racist, bigoted, hateful people in this country! People who choose to live a life of ignorance as opposed to a life of peace and compassion for ALL humankind. No offense or disrespect to anyone, but the truth is the truth, no matter how you try to spin it. And with all the confusion and lies and secrecy permeating throughout our society, I think it’s about time we all start dwelling in some truth!

To be completely honest, I didn’t think I would live to see the day a BLACK man became President of the United States. When President Obama won the first election, I cried, seriously. I thought that the US had finally got itself together and our society could move forward as a unified example for other countries to follow. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I’m just keeping it 100. Then he upped the ante and landed a second term! I just knew some sort of assassination plot would be fulfilled and the first American BLACK family would be no more. Tell the truth, y’all thought about it, too.

Nevertheless, I’m feeling the POTUS! I like the fact that he’s going out the way he came in-honest. Although the US has many haters, my POTUS has handled his time in office like a perfect game of chess. In the midst of all the cop killings, ISIS bombings and random shootings, he decided to stand for the greater good and lead by example. What do I mean? Have we heard President Obama’s name associated with scandalous deeds or shady deals? Nowadays, it’s like nobody cares about doing the right thing anymore, but I am proud and inspired by President Obama. I think he has done a fabulous job, thus far and I will pray for his continued health and success, as he finishes out his term.

So now I’m thinking, maybe keeping it 100 needs to be the theme of this year, well, for my year at least. Too many people are walking around hiding who they really are, like I was. Either they are ashamed to admit that they have ‘issues’ or they don’t realize that there even is an issue with which they need to deal, again, like me. Regardless, it’s time to address the issues and hold each other accountable for our actions. New year, new me, right? I know, I know, I already said I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, but this is not a resolution. In my opinion creating resolutions is like putting a band-aid on an open wound. Coming out of the dark and stepping into the light of day to allow the world to see who you really are, elevates your mind, body and soul. That’s neither a quick nor a temporary solution to solving the problems of your life. It does take some time, some effort, some patience and some dedication from you, but when you get it together, it’s like butter, baby. When my mind, body and soul work together in perfect harmony, I feel like I can accomplish anything. I wonder if more Christians adopted this philosophy for their own lives, would that boost numbers in churches across the nation?

It’s not enough for only you to keep it 100 with yourself. You gotta encourage that kind of behavior from your friends and family, as well. It won’t do you any good to surround yourself with people secretly praying for your Downfall if you want to make positive, progressive change in your life. Haters will forever keep you stagnant and liars will always tell you anything. I don’t mean to boast or brag about being blessed, I am just extremely grateful that God favored me. He gave me sense enough to pick an outstanding circle of friends who love me like family. If you are blessed enough to have a great support system, pay attention to the things your people say to you, about you, especially if they love you. They will keep it real with you and you will be completely immersed in love and truth-from the outside, by your people, and from the inside, by you! When Ms. Whitney Houston sang ‘The Greatest Love of All’ years ago, I had no idea what she meant, I just loved to hear her sing the song. Now that I’m an adult, I do believe that next to God, loving yourself is the greatest love of all, #100. Until next time…