SiZ (Test)

Alex Boye Wants Jesus to Walk With Him - Part 2

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX5vbH673fJZ1O1xgraaDUIDGJ-dqbJiG6voUPHJGJMQvIqIZo7VOZ92taZ7JM0VI8vlUsVq85tcV162ea7Af5DnTP-7F4B-09nNELbICB1rnKsN1aInyfCdqLt87Vg5nDef_DoCeN1E/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427324911541288482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX5vbH673fJZ1O1xgraaDUIDGJ-dqbJiG6voUPHJGJMQvIqIZo7VOZ92taZ7JM0VI8vlUsVq85tcV162ea7Af5DnTP-7F4B-09nNELbICB1rnKsN1aInyfCdqLt87Vg5nDef_DoCeN1E/s320/1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 213px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2010/01/alex-boye-wants-jesus-to-walk-with-him.html">Read Part 1</a><br />I’m thinking, there's only two reasons an Apostle calls someone....<br /><br />to make them an Apostle or to kick them out of the Church. Which one do you think I thought? Elder Ballard says, I want you to come on assignment with me. I want you to be the singer and I want you to sing three songs. Do you have a pen and a paper? Yes Sir, I say as I’m scrambling to get a pen and paper. Elder Ballard says, first song, <em>There is a Green Hill Far Away</em>, do you know it? Yes Sir. Second song, <em>I Know That My Redeemer Lives</em>, do you know it? Yes Sir. Third song, I<em> Walked Today Where Jesus Walked</em>, do you know it? Yes Sir. I lied. I had never heard the third song before. As soon as I hung up with him I start searching everywhere, I’m all over Google, I finally found it on Youtube.<br /><br />So I went on assignment with Elder Ballard and I had to get up to sing three times. I get up to sing the first song, and the Spirit just thrashes. Second song, I’m just thrashed. Third song, I get up and the Spirit just thrashes me again and finally it hit me, there was my answer. Those were the three songs I needed to finish the hymns album. So I went in and recorded the three songs, finish the album, and I get a call from Deseret Book. We want you to do a hymns album. I’m just like SHUT UP! I just recorded one I say. <a href="http://deseretbook.com/item/5026276/Be_Still_My_Soul_Classic_Hymns_and_Folk_Songs">Be Still, My Soul: Classic Hymns and Folk Songs </a>went to Deseret Book’s top 10 on the first day it was released. Months later it’s still there. It was such a testimony to me. I have had such a great response because of that album. Someone just wrote me on Facebook and said that her friend was going to commit suicide and heard one of the songs on the album and decided not to.<br /><br />Sista Beehive asks, how is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir received by other religions and other Christian denominations? When the choir was going out to Oklahoma I was asked to go out some days before to do radio and TV spots. I went with Scott Barrick the choir’s General Manager. So we’re out there doing these promotions and the entire time I was thinking why did they ask me to do this? The questions were about the history of the choir and so on and you know there are so many people that could answer these questions better than me, I was just winging it.<br /><br />So for one spot we had to split up, I had to go on my own and Scott Barrick was going elsewhere. I get dropped off at this radio station and I immediately realize it’s a black radio station. I start to get nervous. I’m thinking of course this where they leave me to go by myself, they just drove off and left me here. I’m just nervous and my head is spinning trying to think of all the controversial questions that they might ask me, Man I just knew they were gonna eat me up and spit me out. I was looking around like where are those Sistas in Zion when you need them.<br /><br />So I walk in and sit in the reception area and I’m hearing Lil Wayne and Beyonce playing. Are you kidding me! This is where I’m gonna go and talk about the choir. It wasn’t even a Gospel station, straight up Hip Hop. I’m supposed to go in there and tell people to come to the choir. I start sweating, I didn’t know what to do, and I just start praying. I literally got on my knees in the reception area and I’m praying. The receptionist is just doing her nails or whatever and glaring at me. So, I can hear the radio personalities segment and they’re talking about things that get on their nerves and they are just all riled up. So one of the DJs comes out and he says, you the one that’s here with the choir? Yes Sir. You been in a radio station before? Yes Sir. Ok here’s the mic, come on and have a seat.<br /><br />We get on air and the DJ says, what’s up I’m here with Alex Boye, tell me about the choir. So I nervously start to talk about the history of the choir and all of a sudden the DJ goes silent. There’s this long pause and then he says; I’ve been listening to that choir since I was seven years old. I remember the LPs, my Grandma use to listen to them. Then he starts praising the choir…on a Hip Hop station. The DJ says, let’s open up the lines. I said no, please don’t do that, come on guys. The first caller is on and he says, yeah, I wanna ask you something…I’m thinking here it goes…how can I get tickets for the concert? People are calling and asking great questions about the choir and the DJs are having a great time and they turn to me and they say, sing something. So I sing, I want Jesus to Walk With Me…in a Hip Hop station…brothas in the background saying Amen…in a Hip Hop station. I thought WOW!<br /><br />I walked out of there, and you know what Sistas, I had to repent. I was called to be there. The Lord wanted me to be there. I had doubts, but those doubts were because of my limitations, what I thought I was going to get asked, and if I could do it because I was on my own. The Lord had my back, he sent me there for a reason. I was thinking of me, me, me.<br /><br />Prior to us going to do the spots there was something like 75% of the tickets that still needed to be sold for that concert. I was there doing the promoting three days before the concert, the concert was sold out. One of the top ten experiences of my lifetime thus far. Oklahoma was incredible.<br /><br />So tell us about this Sunday, says Sista Laurel. This Sunday, January 17, 2010, I will be a performing Negro Spirituals as a featured soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for Music and the Spoken. I had the blessing of doing it last year, and they asked me to perform again this year. We thank Alex for taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with us. He hangs up… Girl, please remind me not to stand next to that man in a lightning storm? Why? If Santa Claus knows when you’re asleep or awake, you know Elder Ballard knows Alex fibbed about knowing that song!<br /><br />Music and the Spoken Word, Sunday, January 17, 2010. To find out more about how you can attend, watch, or listen to this broadcast visit: <a href="http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/info/matsw">http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/info/matsw</a>.<br /><br />To Learn more about Alex Boye visit: <a href="http://www.alexboye.com/">http://www.alexboye.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/alexboye.music">http://www.facebook.com/alexboye.music</a><br /><br /><br />Your Sistas in the Gospel, <br />Sista Beehive and Sista Laurel<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Alex Boye Wants Jesus to Walk With Him - Part 2

Read Part 1 I’m thinking, there's only two reasons an Apostle calls someone.... to make them an Apostle or to kick them out of the Churc...

Alex Boye Wants Jesus to Walk With Him - Part 1

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizheq6e-u48M6UEHWfA6MqB48ysfdDOBIfkoemHCSumMss0RUJfcmvbbbhaq5WcK1keWBkwlvMHEaEJCI9dg-_maY56D6KGJukrjnn2Ps2b_sI41_LKyE4yt-TpKM4SV5VAomfQOrXPrY/s1600-h/ab.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690691008016642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizheq6e-u48M6UEHWfA6MqB48ysfdDOBIfkoemHCSumMss0RUJfcmvbbbhaq5WcK1keWBkwlvMHEaEJCI9dg-_maY56D6KGJukrjnn2Ps2b_sI41_LKyE4yt-TpKM4SV5VAomfQOrXPrY/s320/ab.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 214px;" /></a> Are you there? Yes, I’m here. The phone begins to ring. Hi Alex, It’s Sista Beehive and Sista Laurel. What’s up, how are you, he says. Wait a minute Sistas, he says in that smooth British accent, just let me turn down the M.J. I got blastin. He’s in the car; no doubt on his way to a meeting or a rehearsal, <a href="http://alexboye.com/">Alex Boye </a>is a busy man! The three of us casually chat for a few minutes and do some catching up.<br /><br />So Alex how long have you been with Motab (<a href="http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/">Mormon Tabernacle Choir</a>), Sista Beehive asks. Three years now, I did the auditions and they asked me to report on January 6th. They said there are only two reasons you shouldn’t be there: either you're dead or on your honeymoon. I was neither so I showed up. That’s where I did the orientation of the choir school. You can’t miss it, if you do, you’re done, it’s over. So I did that, then it’s the exam, I was admitted into the choir and off to choir school. Choir school is about three months long. Man, it was hard-core, intense, but a good experience for me. It’s three nights a week, something like 12 hours a week. Choir school is where you are prepared to be in the choir. There’s one starting now, with about seventy-five new members.<br /><br />What did you do before the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Sista Laurel asks. Hustle around trying to get girls, just being an idiot, you don't want to know! Oh really, we say, he has us intrigued. So can you share a pick up line you used to use back in the day? He does…it’s bad. We’re not gonna do a Brotha like that and tell you what it was…furthermore we suggest he stop telling people he ever said it. Fortunately, someone was nice enough not to hold it against him. We know his wife; she’s great. Sista Beehive for some reason suggests that he start a dating school. Sista Laurel knows that he would have to issue everyone refunds.<br /><br />I was watching the video of you singing Rocka My Soul, says Sista Beehive. I could have sworn I saw you poppin and trying to break it down. Alex is laughing hysterically. Some one once bet me that I couldn’t moon walk across the Tabernacle stage he says. We think he was trying to reverently take on that bet. But we’ll let you be the judge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NcIK5tQOq3Y?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I saw a couple of choir members getting into it and bobbing a little says Sista Laurel. You know they like to move, he says. Any time we sing a spiritual or anything a little more ruckus, the other members always say to me, it makes us want to move. I think the choir is trying to appeal to a larger audience, a younger and bigger market. One of the managers said to me that they want to sell millions of records, they don’t want to just sell thousands. Speaking of the choir’s appeal, how does Motab fare with the Grammys, asks Sista Laurel. I know they have a Grammy, she says, how many?<br /><br />Just the one he says, in 1959 for Battle Hymn of the Republic. We are shocked. Does the choir submit all their albums for nomination we ask? Yes they do he says. They actually submitted I Want Jesus to Walk with Me, which was one of the songs I did with the choir. That was heart warming to me. It was evident that they do want to appeal to a larger audience, of all the songs they could submit they sent a Negro Spiritual. We didn’t win anything for it, but it really meant something to me even though nothing happened.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jrVTuskdCgo?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Tell us some of your experiences traveling with the choir, Sista Beehive asks. You know there are people who come twenty to thirty miles with their families, some half-broke just to see the choir. There was a family who did that and then they drove to the next place we were performing. Many people do it. The choir’s response outside the State of Utah is very different, people turn up, and the closest they can get to the choir they will drive or fly to get there.<br /><br />When I was a little older than sixteen I saw them in England. I only went because someone hooked me up with a ticket. I just didn’t think that me a kid who listened to Hip Hop and Motown would even connect with this music. Prior to seeing the choir my Bishop and everybody at church had been asking, Alex, are you going to go on a mission? I just couldn’t say yes to them, I had one foot in that world and one foot in the secular world. Well anyways, I went to the concert. And it changed me, I felt the spirit so strong, and I knew I was going on a mission. That’s why I tell people, don’t sweat, you’ll feel the spirit. It truly is the Lord’s choir. I’ve had the Spirit testify of that on many, many occasions. That’s why I’m still here. I have ADHD, I don’t stick to things for too long. Even my Mother says, Alex it has been three years and you are still in the choir. That’s a great testimony, says Sista Beehive, especially for those who say Mormons don’t musically sound like us, it lets them know that the spirit can still speak to you even through the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.<br /><br />Who is in charge of teaching Motab rhythm and how to clap, asks Sista Laurel. No one he says laughing, it’s a free for all. Some get it and some don’t. So tell us, what is happening with your solo career, Sista Laurel says. Well, I like the way Sister Gladys Knight said it, “I want to bring a little more chocolate to the vanilla.” As members of the Church we deserve to have every style. If you go to an ice cream store you would be mad if you go in and they only serve one flavor. You would say I’m going to Baskin Robins where they have pistachio and rocky road, bubble gum, all that. We do deserve variety, that’s what I look forward to. I want to be a part of that store. I just want there to be some of my flavor. I’m not saying that I’m the answer. You know when I realized that, that I wasn’t the answer and started trying to be a part of the team, I felt the spirit more in my music and people felt the spirit more through my music. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />Anyways, I love that Motown flavor Smokey Robinson and the Temptations, Motown that’s where I developed a love for music. So I did a Motown album, my original songs, just with that style and feel to it. Cause I get sick of the stuff that’s out there today. I wanted to do some good solid music, but the strangest thing happened to me when I was working on this album. I had a really strong impression to do a hymns album, I wasn't interested and I kept fighting the feeling. I thought I don’t want to do that, nobody has asked me to. I was doing the Motown album and I kept getting a feeling of guilt, so I finally went to the studio and chose some hymns. I had eight songs and I needed three more and I couldn’t think of what songs to do. I was just stuck there. I get a phone call from Elder Ballard. His secretary says, he wants to speak to you. I’m thinking, there's only two reasons an Apostle calls someone.... (<strong><em>to be continued</em></strong>) <a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2010/01/alex-boye-wants-jesus-to-walk-with-him_16.html" target="_blank">READ PART 2 HERE</a><br /><br />The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be singing Negro Spirituals during Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday, January 17, 2010. To find out more about how you can attend or listen to this broadcast visit: <a href="http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/info/matsw">http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/info/matsw</a>. </div><div align="left"><br />To Learn more about Alex Boye visit: <a href="http://www.alexboye.com/">http://www.alexboye.com/</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/alexboye.music">http://www.facebook.com/alexboye.music</a></div><div align="left"><br /><br />Your Sistas in the Gospel, </div><div align="left">Sista Beehive and Sista Laurel<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a> </div>

Alex Boye Wants Jesus to Walk With Him - Part 1

Are you there? Yes, I’m here. The phone begins to ring. Hi Alex, It’s Sista Beehive and Sista Laurel. What’s up, how are you, he says. Wait...

Happy New Year Brothas & Sistas

<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zQkwRn0QJ92V-VG6LP_ppxy9VJUSJ0woAX2N_qrzScAf8BPlBklX3awbq9zTD5RK3IWcY6Q-AscBvLa266Mj_0hLqxeUEtb8W61Xs61c6DdFsTpxtlGUlwd2EJG7PhMO-M_12NeoY3I/s1600-h/happynew+year.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423670960087588610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zQkwRn0QJ92V-VG6LP_ppxy9VJUSJ0woAX2N_qrzScAf8BPlBklX3awbq9zTD5RK3IWcY6Q-AscBvLa266Mj_0hLqxeUEtb8W61Xs61c6DdFsTpxtlGUlwd2EJG7PhMO-M_12NeoY3I/s320/happynew+year.jpg" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; float: left; height: 264px;" /></a>Things have been crazy with holiday cheer<br /><br /><br /><div>The Sistas are excited for the up coming year</div><br /><br /><div>Looking forward to church 'cause our wards are so swell</div><br /><br /><div>The holidays brought us new stories to tell</div><br /><br /><div>Our resoulation is to travel to many new places</div><br /><br /><div>We want to meet Mormon and NonMormon faces<br /></div><br /><div>We will visit your ward with our eyes open wide </div><br /><br /><div>So don't think you can trick us or shamefully hide</div><br /><br /><div>Don't try to be proper, no need to be priss<br /></div><br /><div>We're just writing our truths it's as simple as this</div><br /><br /><div>When you see us at church don't act in a fog </div><br /><br /><div>Because you're Afraid to be a topic<br /><br />on our fun-lovin blog!</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>So here's to a New Year of God's truth and no lyin</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Your Sistas in the Gospel, As Sistas in Zion</div></div>

Happy New Year Brothas & Sistas

Things have been crazy with holiday cheer The Sistas are excited for the up coming year Looking forward to church 'cause our wards are s...

I Am Unashamed

<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>November 15, 2009 4:09 PM - Anonymous said: "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you."</strong> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiOi8-zhvz_ld2lpuGg7khchDUbrIGSt6XfTzhjc06pnbcXfo8QWXTODVimls9ImIs3QQ-fjefgdhvb9qLbKalo4N4V5zvk3bsm5dp2nDBe_RHMF8I-SxOZSe4YjXFY1jGLgAV6PfsKI/s1600/2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTiOi8-zhvz_ld2lpuGg7khchDUbrIGSt6XfTzhjc06pnbcXfo8QWXTODVimls9ImIs3QQ-fjefgdhvb9qLbKalo4N4V5zvk3bsm5dp2nDBe_RHMF8I-SxOZSe4YjXFY1jGLgAV6PfsKI/s320/2.bmp" yr="true" /></a><br /></div><br /><strong>Sista Laurel's response:</strong><br />We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. <br /><br />Above is the 11th <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=fc2539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Article of Faith</a> of <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</a> The line in that sentence that stood out to me the most as I pondered and prayed on this question was: <strong>“according to the dictates of our own conscience.”</strong> <br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dictate">Dic-tate</a></strong></span> [v. dik-teyt, dik-teyt; n. dik-teyt] verb, -tat-ed, -tat-ing, noun <br /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">6. a guiding or governing principle, requirement, etc.: to follow the dictates of one's conscience.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conscience">Con-science</a></strong></span> [kon-shuh ns] –noun <br /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">1. the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action: to follow the dictates of conscience. </span><br /><span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">2. the complex of ethical and moral principles that controls or inhibits the actions or thoughts of an individual.</span> <br /><br /><em><strong>"How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people? Shame on you."</strong></em> <br /><br />I know that I am a child of God. A loving Heavenly Father provided a Savior for me, Jesus Christ. I have gained this testimony through experiences both spiritual and temporal. I strive to live a Christ-like life, but I am imperfect. I have fallen short, I do fall short, I will fall short. I am thankful for the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for <em>my</em> sins, so that I have the opportunity to stand again each time I fall. My testimony, this knowledge, and this goal have all contributed in my decision to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. <br /><br />I have always thought of spirituality and faith as being personal. This thought process has helped me to develop a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Also, I find that my faith is not sedentary. With each passing day it can grow and it can waiver and in both instances I rely heavily on these personal relationships. If at any time I have questions regarding religion, my faith, spirituality, membership in the church to which I belong, etc., I have always consulted with the Lord through prayer and have always received answers to my prayers. <br /><br />Through my testimony in prayer and according to the dictates of my own conscience I am an unashamed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. <br /><br />Sista Laurel <br /><br /><br /><strong>Sista Beehive's response:</strong><br />Pastor Rick Warren, was asked the question, " Do all religions lead to God"? His response was, "Think about the logic of this. Can I go into a phone booth and dial any phone number and get home? No, there’s only one number that’ll get me home. I could be sincere, but I could be sincerely wrong. The truth is, all roads don’t lead to Rome and all roads and all religions don’t lead to God". <br /><br />In following that same thought pattern the scriptures teach in John 14:6<span style="color: #ff9900; font-style: italic;"> Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.</span> <br /><br />While it is not my responsibility to try to explain away the painful, yet historic teachings of past church practices (not only in the LDS Church). Nor is it my intention to defend the crippeling history of our "free" country, a place that we all call home. Jesus is the way, Jesus, my elder brother, the only one who could, atoned and sacrificed for me, he alone is the truth and the light. <br /><br />I am grateful for parents who taught me to recognize and yield to the teachings of the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful that I was blessed with a strong Pentacostal family that encouraged me to develop a personal relationship with the Lord, so that when the time came in my life where I would need to testify of the truthfullness of the Holy Ghost I would be able to do so in my own words. So that when the day came for me to become a soilder in God's army, I would be armed with a truth that I was willing to stand on and if needs be die for. I have found that truth in the church that I've choosen to embrace.<br /><br />I have a personal relationship with my Father in heaven who loves me and has been merciful to me. It is ultimately because of this love that I feel "No Shame"!! for my choice in worshiping the Lord my God, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I make no apologies to my anonymous Brotha/Sista for being a member of the LDS church. Just as I make no apologies to any of the Brothas/Sistas of the LDS faith for the race, or lineage that I was born into. <br /><br />Jesus atoned for me! He suffered and died! It is because of his love for me that eternal life and not death is possible. In closing, I feel that it's approiate for us all to be reminded: "Love thy neighbor" is not a cliché; it is a commandment from God. In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus emphasized the importance of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and loving your neighbor as yourself. He said, all the other commandments, all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments (v. 40). <br /><br />Sista Beehive<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

I Am Unashamed

November 15, 2009 4:09 PM - Anonymous said: "How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officiall...

Shame On You!!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIOU1szkAklpY7RVhHNHED6TFb7N4xIIqt85lVmXls69YnJSpoX57dUN3zacR_Fy1Aa438G8e8hts0Ua0uLpOtytI-P3vNxrmk1wo8hVSawo7py5vdH1bpbpKXvvhsULK8PdlWpY_-3I/s1600/shameful.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405145596189916642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIOU1szkAklpY7RVhHNHED6TFb7N4xIIqt85lVmXls69YnJSpoX57dUN3zacR_Fy1Aa438G8e8hts0Ua0uLpOtytI-P3vNxrmk1wo8hVSawo7py5vdH1bpbpKXvvhsULK8PdlWpY_-3I/s320/shameful.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 209px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><em>Anonymous - November 15, 2009 4:09 PM </em></span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><em></em></span><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><em>How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist until 1978? And still teaches to this day that the Curse of Cain is manifest in black people?<br /><br />Shame on you.</em></span> <br /></div><br /><br />We know that this isn't typically done, and if this post makes any of our readers feel uncomfortable we apologize.<br /><br />Many of our Brothas and Sistas get this question regularly, this is our post for today, we wanted you - our readers, Sistas and Brothas to share with us your response. It was originally posted in the comments section of "It's Not My Turn To Pray". We responded, but felt that we needed to address this issue in a direct, yet sensitive manner.<br /><br />We'd like to hear your response, to our "Anonymous Brotha/Sista". As we will prayerfully try to articulate our individual feelings and why we feel the way we do about our membership in the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. We will post our individual feelings/testimonies tomorrow. Thank You<br /><br />Be Blessed!<br /><br />Sistas Beehive & Laurel

Shame On You!!

Anonymous - November 15, 2009 4:09 PM How can you be black and be such a supporting member of an organization that was officially racist unt...

Joy Comes In The Morning

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14SlOX87ItxdHS1CwtNpvoPi6ny5GRoRJ0zVM1rhyi5CjF5Wym-dgGOHzXHa8JHRt8UskkuoJvD9tpuVo8faZ8WLNPloyacdIMqVJ-bRwUj94sbXRDDjs6u5HI0iCcNtXCwd7UQ3gEfI/s1600-h/scan0127.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404485611929518738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14SlOX87ItxdHS1CwtNpvoPi6ny5GRoRJ0zVM1rhyi5CjF5Wym-dgGOHzXHa8JHRt8UskkuoJvD9tpuVo8faZ8WLNPloyacdIMqVJ-bRwUj94sbXRDDjs6u5HI0iCcNtXCwd7UQ3gEfI/s400/scan0127.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 309px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 400px;" /></a><br />I woke up this morning after having a wonderful dream. I dreamed about my parents, Susie Mae and Arthur Lee. Although Susie and Arthur are my grandparents, they are the ones that raised me. I'm usually referring to Susie and Arthur when I'm talking about my parents. Susie and Arthur have both passed away and I miss them, especially during this time of year.<br /><br />I don't dream of them very often so when I do it's always bitter sweet. I often wonder if I'm doing things that are pleasing to them and that bring honor to our family name. Most of time I feel that I am, especially at this time in my life, however, memories although funny now are somewhat painful. It wasn't very often that both parents were disappointed in me. Nevertheless there were occasions that I know that both parents were, even though they were never able to express their disappointment. One occasion was shortly after my father passed away, and my mother had just gotten out of the hospital, after suffering a debilitating stroke 6 months earlier.<br /><div><br />I'm sure that these feeling aren't unique to me alone. I do know that I will see them again, at that time in my life, I'm hopeful that the reunion of our family will overshadow my moment of stupidity. If in this life we could have do overs, I would use one of my several to re-do Arthur's and Susie's funerals.<br /><br />Arthur's funeral came during a difficult time in my life. The Bishop of my parents ward at that time stopped by our home with the Missionaries. I had flown in from Utah, and arrived at my parents home shortly after the Bishop and Missionaries. A few months prior to my dad's funeral there had been a family feud, and I wasn't and hadn't spoken to most of my family. Many of them didn't know that I had moved to Utah and they most certainly didn't know that I was expecting my first child. <br /></div><br /><div><br />All were excited to see me and willing to let bygones be bygones. I on the other hand refused to let things go. As my family members approached me with their hand extended toward my stomach I would quickly divert their hands away from my basketball shaped stomach. I would not allow the usual playful belly rub, touch, and nobody was talking to the baby that was still leasing space in my stomach. I didn't want anyone that I didn't like at the time (which was probably 90% of the people in the house at that time) to say or do anything pertaining to me and my unborn child.<br /><br />Most people would have stopped right there, not me. I had to express right there in front of the Bishop, Missionaries and my Mom, my dislike for whom ever I didn't like at that time. Talk about putting family business in the streets, it was out there. It was horrible! My mind was telling my mouth to stop, shut-up! Not only was my mouth not listening to my mind it went into cruise control! I couldn't stop, if eye contact was made, and we were at odds, it was on! There...business out there. My mom kept pleading with me to stop, and I really wanted to, I just couldn't. My mouth kept going.<br /><br />Our Bishop and family friend was mortified! There was a look of fear on his face that I will never forget. Not fear for himself, fear for me, and how he was going to explain to my husband how and why I was beat to death. He tried to say something, I believe I told him that the only thing he could do was start blessing folks with his consecrated oil and if he wasn't going to do that then he needed to save his words. My mouth still wouldn't stop moving. I'm sure he wondered who I was and where Sista Beehive went, I wish I knew the answer to that unasked question myself.<br /><br />"Where is Sista Beehive? I don't know, I don't know. Where is Sista Beehive? I don't know,"!<br />Mouth kept moving...The Missionaries, just kept staring at me. They didn't even know me. I know they thought I had lost my mind and I had lost it! I know that I should have cared but I didn't. By the time my mouth stopped, there were only five people in the room. Your guess is correct. One Bishop, two Missionaries, one Mother, and me. There wasn't even a trace of the Holy Ghost, shameful, just shameful! We all sat there in silence for what seemed like an eternity!...Finally the Bishop said, "Well, it sounds to me like this home could use a prayer". Needless to say, not one family member spoke to me during the rest of my stay in Fresno (which was a whole two days), except my Mom. I'd love a do over please!<br /><br />At Susie's funeral I was a totally different person (she passed away 4 years later). I was more helpful and I wasn't pregnant. (I would like to blame the outburst at Arthur's funeral on my impending situation... I said I'd like to say that, but I know better than that. I was bitter about more then a few things). At Susie's funeral, my guilt comes from not dressing her, which I'm sure she would have forgiven me. All I needed to do was take care of other responsibilities, her hair and make-up. Susie was always put together! She always looked sharp! If she didn't do her hair no one ever knew it 'cause always she had the finest wigs. She wouldn't go anywhere without having her nails and hair did. I couldn't even bring myself to do her hair and/or makeup. The person who did do my mom's hair and makeup (a family member), fixed Susie up the way she saw Susie through her eyes. Pink lip-stick, bright red finger nails, an red-auburn wig, shoulder length, and way too much makeup. I know that I'm in trouble the next time I see Susie!<br /><br />The woman who fixed Susie's hair is Pentecostal (not that being Pentecostal is a bad thing), and they don't really do flashy. They don't really wear makeup, and if makeup is warn you can't tell it just by looking at them. I'm sure that to my Pentecostal family members we (everyone not Pentecostal) wear way too much makeup and probably do look over made. Anyway, I'd really like a do over for that one!! <br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I probably still wouldn't do it, but I would hire someone who could do an amazing job! I would also get her a different wig, one that's more brown than red, and a little shorter. Yes, I'd like a do over for 600, Alex.<br /><br /><span style="color: #ff6600; font-style: italic;">Side note: Place in my will: Do not let a Pentecostal woman/man do my hair/makeup when I die. Unless they have already been pre~approved or they are currently (at the time) back sliding.</span><br /></div><br /><div>I don't want ya'll to think it's all about guilt and do overs. I do laugh when I think of those moments. I'm sure that's the gift that was left to me, because only God knows the sorrow I felt having lost them. Now instead of crying when I think of losing them, I can't help but laugh, I'm grateful for having their influence of love and laughter in my life. I'm happy that I have better relationships with those family members that I embarrassed, and that today we are able to laugh about my "uncontrollable mouth".<br /></div><br /><div><br />I know that there are several people who have anxiety when it comes to participating in family events especially during this time of year. Hopefully as you read my story and the story of some of our brothas and sistas comments you will be able to create a buffer for yourself and your immediate family. One of Susie's favorite songs was "Joy Comes In The Morning"! I do look forward to the morning that my family will be reunited! May joy and love for family help you usher in this holiday season. <br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Brothas and Sistas, tell us what you'd like a do over in and why?<br /><br />Sista Beehive<br /><br /></div>

Joy Comes In The Morning

I woke up this morning after having a wonderful dream. I dreamed about my parents, Susie Mae and Arthur Lee. Although Susie and Arthur are m...