WhAt a wONdeRfUl WorLD

What a wonderful world.

What do you see when you look out of your window? 

Are you privileged to see rows of red roses and trees of green? 

Children laughing and playing without a care in the world? 

Is your heart buoyed to see old friends enjoying one another's company or new friends emerging on the relationship horizon? 

Is the world wonderful to you in this moment?

What do you see on your commute to work?

Do you see that man still sitting in the same corner of the subway platform, in tattered clothes, still hoping for, at least, one hot meal today, despising the circumstances he finds himself in, cursing the voices in his head that daily torment him, hoping today will be better than yesterday?

Or the stock broker on his cell phone bragging about how much money he made this week and what kind of car he plans to buy?

Do you see the group of mean girls bullying the same little girl at the same bus stop every morning? Does it cross your mind what will happen to her? Does it make you sad? Do you feel anything at all?

Do you ever wonder what all the dilapidated buildings, if renovated, could do for that man from earlier and others in similar situations? Do you ever ask "What If"? 

Do the skies seem so blue in that moment? Are the trees rich with green if there are any trees to view at all that haven't been replaced by structures of wood and metal?

What do you see when you plug in?

Is every other post a source of outrage?

Has every log-in become a daily war of words over politics, country, or some senseless banter?

It's hunting season every day if you read your local paper. Just without rabbits, ducks, or deer.

Do you feel you are being pressured to care about the rich and famous while what really matters is crumbling around you?

Is this world still wonderful in your eyes? 

Cries for help. No one's listening.

Turning off body cams just until..... 

Still no clean water. #FlintMichigan

Values trampled under foot. 

Children in cages. 

Some of my best friends are Latino.

No substantial evidence. 

One meal a day. 16,000 kids every weekend. #CharlestonCounty

Look away.

Serial bomber taken into custody. 

Predatory lending.

#METOO

Who's right, who's left? Who cares?

Some of my best friends are Asian.

Corporate machines steamrolling transient standards.

I'm a good person. 

We feel for the family in this tragedy but we believe we followed procedure.

Still building a wall. 

Google South Fulton, GA.

My four and no more! 

Babies crying. 

Shot in the back. 

Some of my best friends are black.

Blame it on the Ambien.

Zero tolerance.

Turn your music up louder so you can't hear her screams.

On administrative leave with pay.

Guilty until proven innocent.

Go back to your country. 

Asphyxiated with a baton.

Pretend you don't see it.

Unarmed man shot 41 times.

Who's right, who's wrong? Who cares?

NATIVE Americans. 

She made a threatening gesture. 

Some of my best friends are white.

Close your blinds.  

Acquitted of all charges. 

I just don't want to get involved. 

No weapon found. 

Make America Great Again.

Hearts gone cold.

What a wonderful world. What a wonderful world.

Every one of our voices, everyone of our daily decisions, to speak or remain silent, to look or to shield our eyes, to stand or to lie down help shape what kind of world we have. We can forcefully detach ourselves from history's trajectory and turn away from what we have become or we can embrace it like a snugly teddy bear and accept the coming recourse. We can change our purview and climb harder to adjust our eye line and see things from an alternative point of view, though uncomfortable, but perhaps necessary. Maybe we will see ourselves differently in the process, too.

Sit at your keyboard and pound at the keys. Clutch the remote and yell at the TV, demanding change. Or we can become the change we want and need to see. Even if no one else is listening, you listen. Even if no one else will step out into the fray and lend a hand, you offer both of yours. If your peers are grudgingly giving one dollar, you joyfully give ten dollars. Be the change you want and need to see. While your friends are talking, you tangibly act. Take a picture. Write a letter. Use your personal and professional sphere of influence. Do YOUR best. Push for change as far as your arms can reach. When everything around you and within you is screaming "No! Mind your own business!", you respond with "Yes. I can help!" When they offer a share or a retweet, you promote dialogue, you ask why and listen to the response. You just flat out be intentional and make the effort to do better so we can be better and have better. It only takes one to start on the road to a wonderful world. Until then, we all have to live in this one. Let's take, at least, the first step to making it better.

Okay?

ThE woRLD frOm YouR wiNdOw - 6/12/18

Good morning.

It's hard to not be a little introspective when you look at all that is happening in our world. I want to start a new feature that I will be doing periodically on "Mirror Time". What I am hoping I can get your help with is the interaction. I want to open up dialogue on the issues that plague, upset, or confuse us in our world. 

As usual, there are certain types of behavior that will not be tolerated under any circumstances but I am hoping for thoughtful discussion, self-reflection, and perhaps some solutions. I don't claim to have any answers or an avenue to get your answers to others but I believe within our sphere of influence, there is opportunity to change our world, one person, one issue at a time.

So with that being said, I would like to present to you "The World From Your Window", a compilation of prevalent news stories and world issues that I hope we will be bold enough to speak to after we read these. Please fully utilize the comments section with your thoughts and opinions. I'd love to hear how you view things in your world and in our world. Before we're done, hopefully, you will see that sometimes there is a difference between the two.

So how does the world look from your window?

PEACEFUL RESOLUTION

Source: (https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/11/us/orlando-officer-shot-in-barricade/index.html)

A nearly 24 hour hostage situation comes to a tragic end when police were unable to negotiate a safe release of four children from ages 1 to 11 were all found dead in an Orlando, FL apartment, along with the alleged kidnapper at 11:45pm Sunday night. Two of the children were his and the two others were his girlfriends from a previous relationship. A police officer, Kevin Valencia, was shot during the standoff and is in critical condition.

The suspect, Gary Lindsey, Jr., has previous arrests for arson, domestic violence battery, as well as four arrests for violating parole. For me, personally, this rap sheet alone produces a lot of questions. A lot of questions.

Not many details are being released yet but this is one of those situations that make any parent cringe. What brought this to bear? What circumstances led to this tragic conclusion? Why was he not in jail based on the charges brought against him? Why was he given charge over four young children with his criminal background? I have kids and grand kids and I can't imagine the anguish of these parents. It is likely the most helpless feeling imaginable. This has become far too frequent in our lifetime. Does stories like this make you change how you trust those entrusted with your children? Or do you see this as an isolated incident and you have not made any adjustment to how you approach your children and their care? Should the suspect have been able to be over the care of children due to his criminal history? Why did he get this opportunity? Let's discuss this.

AMERICA THE BULLY?

Firstly, let's be clear on what bullying is before we start diving into the perception of our country in the eyes of other countries. Stopbullying.gov describes bullying as "unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance". I have seen this up close and personal and it is indicated by the use of power, physical strength, or influence to control, harm, or embarrass others. Name calling, teasing, public embarrassment, the use of inappropriate comments, excluding others purposely, spreading lies about someone, or abuse of a physical and verbal nature. Does that sound like America? Would other countries agree with your answer?

Source: (https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/11/politics/donald-trump-g7-chaos/index.html)

By now, you have seen some of the articles that highlighted the incidents at the G7 Summit that many are describing as utter chaos. The current administration has been littered with accusations of bullying, a lack of presidential respect and decorum, and to some on both sides of the political spectrum, what is considered a mockery of the office of President. Arguing this is not the goal today. At some point throughout history, America, as a country, was considered a savior to smaller, more vulnerable nations, and a big brother to those in needs of supplies, funding, aid, etc. What is your opinion on the America at current? Do you see us as the strong power we were in times past? Do you see us as weaker with less allies now and more vulnerable to our country's enemies? Bullying is a serious problem in this country, specifically in our schools and much of it stems from what goes on in the children's households. What kind of message is being sent to that are bullying others and those that are being bullied? Can we talk about this a little?

Here is another link with comments from proud Americans who have something important they wanted to be heard. Source: (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/letters/article-sorry-canada-americans-apologize-for-their-presidents-words)

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

(sigh) I got to spend a little time on this one. It is beginning to feel like a daily occurrence but once again, a video went viral and is sparking outrage after 10 year old Michael Thomas, Jr. is handcuffed by police officers and was mistaken to be another young man who allegedly had a firearm on his person. (The clothing was said to be similar. Of course, they were similar in other ways too.) Perhaps in fear of the police or more likely the thought of going to jail when all he was doing was playing outside his home like most young American kids do, he urinated on himself in front of family members, friends, and members of the Chicago PD. Added note: I think he was handcuffed before he was searched. That's why his grandmother lifted up his shirt because no one else did.

Now please understand that this was not a planned rant nor did I think about what could happen if I shared this sentiment as I am very likely to lose some "friends" by the time this article is read...if it is read. I don't spend a lot of time on social media but I see the posts that these "friends" create or share from someone else about matters like these. They cowardly like, love or share these posts that someone else had the courage to put their names on, harboring feelings that are pro-police, pro-Government, etc, no matter what. In many of these posts, they'd fix the issue of unarmed African Americans being shot or beaten by police by just not "resisting" or being more submissive. It is 100% the fault of the unarmed person in their minds. I won't even mention their thoughts on homelessness, racial inequity, education, community activism, implicit bias, and patriotism. 

I'm disgusted by their unwillingness to publicly profess or own up to these feelings. They just hide behind other peoples' posts. It's really not my place to judge what they like and don't like and what they support. Some of them use religion (emphasis) as a barometer and that's what ticks me off. Sherlock Holmes' call went to voicemail so let me solve that mystery: Jesus would not do what they're doing. Jesus wasn't a coward. Jesus wasn't a closet racist. Jesus walked in unconditional love and He would never accept social injustices in the name of country or the flag or because someone with power and influence said it was okay. Jesus actually cared about the human soul. Can't we safely assume that what we post or allow to be posted on our timeline indicates our belief or what we accept as valid, especially if we don't suggest otherwise? To make matters worse, these are not online friends. These are people that I know personally, broke bread with, and spend time with. I'll be hopeful to start that discussion, "friends". I won't hold my breath waiting though.

True story. I asked someone why he stopped watching the NFL and he responded "Because of the protests". I asked him "Do you know why they're protesting?". He said, "Because they're idiots, that's why!" That's the power of a 4th grade education. Let that soak in.

This case of mistaken identity is powerful in many ways. Michael's grandmother made a very cogent point. What is the first thing that comes to mind when Michael needs to call law enforcement when a neighbor's being assaulted by someone that could resemble him? Does he call or default back to 6/8/18, the day he almost went to jail? How does he walk in this community with his head held high when everyone knows (and if you lived in any kind of neighborhood, you know bad news travels faster than the speed of light) that he was handcuffed and he peed on himself in front of everyone? Some of my "friends" would say that Michael should get over it and police officers are our friends and all he has to do is obey the law. Have anyone of you ever peed on yourself in front of your friends and it didn't create a stigma, or at least, a crippling embarrassment every time you were around said friends? Stop the madness. Do all lives really matter? I wish. I hope. To be a cop in any neighborhood is a difficult and dangerous job and I am positive most officers are fearful of not being able to end their shift and go home to their families. I knew plenty in my youth and recently that were really decent, hard working, and took their jobs seriously. And mind you, these were guys from the NYPD and the NCPD. This is a crazy, mixed up world we live in but imagine growing up as a young man that is guilty before proven innocent in every situation regardless of the situation. You are public enemy #1 and there's no valid reason for the irrational fear or embedded hatred that is associated with this. You can't imagine it, can you? It is not on your radar. You don't even believe it's real. It's the figment of someone's imagination or an over-exaggeration. This issue doesn't even move the needle for you. Until it extends into your life, then you rise in outrage. What was Michael's crime exactly? Ask someone that looks like him if you really want to know. The bubble you are living in is killing you slowly. Bust it while you can! If you could change something about this continuing cycle, what would you change? How do you think relations between law enforcement and government officials and minorities can be improved? How do you approach these topics with your own children? Is your family educated on the racial climate in this country?

Thanks for listening and thinking. I'd love to engage you in conversation and hear your thoughts. Maybe we both will learn something. Thank you for reading, commenting, and subscribing.

(Note to our new subscribers: I don't send out spam. You will get one email from FeedBurner per new post. Nothing else. Promise.)

BuRNeD bRIdGeS

Recently, I was encouraged to showcase some of my writing to a very well known and respected organization that supports ministers and pastors and promotes leadership and spiritual growth. I said sure why not. The title and some of the content is from the familiar piece here on Mirror Time 'Relationship over Religion', which was pretty popular when it was originally posted. I don't normally rehash any old articles but there is a real concern for me that those charged with the mandate to showcase Jesus are more concerned with being solo artists when a group is what is being advertised.

I have seen that take place on a literal stage a little over two decades ago. I was a member of a three man singing group that truly believed we were on the road to destiny and fame. We were slated to perform at a local college, which was our first event of that kind. We were performing in front of a crowd that was VERY slanted towards their hometown favorites and not very receptive to our music or "outsiders" in general. From the outset, we can tell that this was going to be a scene straight out of one of my favorite movies, "The Five Heartbeats". 

Every group that were not associated with the college were heckled and booed and there were some "technical" difficulties with their music, lighting, etc. We received the same treatment. The curtains wouldn't open and they played our music track at the wrong time. It was pretty much a catastrophe but what made matters worse was that one of our group members, frustrated with the way things were going, attempted to take over the performance and make the crowd love us with his voice. His voice wasn't that good. We were booed mercilessly before we could get going. I was honestly thinking the Sandman was going to come out like at the Apollo Theater. I actually understood that we wouldn't have been accepted no matter what we did. What I couldn't get past was that the team, while under immense pressure, broke rank, and became all about one person. That is something that should never happen. Yet, it happens every day in my world and probably in yours.

Here is some of what I submitted to that organization I was telling you about earlier. When you read it, you'll better understand the story I just shared and why this was relevant.

RELATIONSHIP OVER RELIGION by Yusef Michael Marshall

Do you KNOW God?

The word “know” speaks to familiarity. When you say you know someone, it implies you are familiar with them and knows their character. Or you are intimately acquainted with them. Basically, you know more than the person’s name and where they grew up. Relationship says “I know Him by His character.” Religion says “I have heard of Him or I know somebody that knows Him.”  

Some of my relatives say they know me too. We are related and share a bloodline but do they really know me? My character? My tendencies? My response to specific situations? I’m just the “Jesus Freak” to most of them but there’s so much more to me than that. I think we often view God in the same way. They don’t dig too far beyond the “Old Testament Fire and Brimstone” surface. They’ll just make assumptions from the little they think they know. That’s religion, not relationship! Think about this: If Saul only heard about Jesus from guys at his job rather than a face to face encounter with the Savior Himself, how would that have affected his ministry’s success along with more than half of the New Testament writings? Relationship did that.  

Everywhere we go and in circles of friends and acquaintances, we hear people who say they know God. They’ll quickly remind you that He is in their hearts or He knows their heart, particularly when challenged with their questionable behavior. Religion says “God knows my heart.”. Relationship is Jeremiah 17:9 prompting us to repent because God knows our hearts and how wicked they are. 

It is a fact that He knows everything about us! He knows the numbers of hairs upon our heads. He is never taken by surprise by our actions or inactions. It doesn’t mean that He accepts what He knows without a mandate for change. God loves us too much to leave us where we are. If we’re wallowing in the mud with the pigs, He is longing for us to come home that He might lavish His love upon us. God is all about relationship! It’s what he desired in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve and it’s what He desires with you right now! 

The prodigal son stepped out on his own, made mistakes, but returned home with a humble heart, willing to even be a servant in his Father’s house rather than a son, if need be. He just wanted to be back home where he knew unconditional love dwelled. Religion says “I have done plenty to warrant much favor and my blessing”. Relationship says Jesus has done so much for me that I repay but I can make the most of this gift every day. 

I think as leaders, we waste precious time and hinder so many people because we directly or indirectly teach “doing” rather than “being” in many Christian circles. With relationship, we have access to everything we need and the love we receive is unconditional. With religion, we have to work and earn and network to get what we think we need and it is conditional and results based.

Religion is easy and requires no true commitments or sacrifices. Relationship requires effort, time, and sacrifice. Can we put juice and poison into a bottle and then pour out only juice into a glass to drink? NO, of course not! The entire mixture is tainted as we learn from James 3:10-11 and is no good for anyone. Religion taints everything it touches. Relationship covers it all.

Honestly, we have an unhealthy luxury to cross that same "religious" bridge over and over from discipline to being morally lax and we have become complacent. We have it easy when so many believers have but were willing to die for what they believe in. We use faith as a punchline or a convenient alibi when we get into mischief. It's a travesty and as much as I am a staunchly against burning down bridges, this is one instance where the bridge needs to be demolished. As long as we have that option, we will almost take it most times. We will take for granted the grace we'e been given. We will forget the cost that was paid that allows us to do what we do. We won't appreciate or teach our children and grand children to appreciate what we have been blessed to have. Millions of people cross that bridge every Sunday and then after service, head back across that bridge to the comfort of loving, serving, and worshipping God in theory, rather than in practice. So if my vote means anything, I say burn it down and trust God every day. That place we keep retreating to is not healthy for us or the generations to come.

The Bible says that “Today is the day of salvation”. Today is also a great day to choose relationship over religion.