Wilderness Wanderings

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" - Philippians 4:13

When I need inspiration, I listen to gospel music. You can not only hear, but also sense the heart, energy and soul in gospel music. In addition to gospel music, other genres of music give me inspiration. A few weeks ago, I came across a song for Barack Obama’s political campaign, "Yes We Can," written by The Black Eyed Peas' frontman, songwriter and producer will.i.am, along with director and filmmaker Jesse Dylan, son of Bob Dylan. Regardless of whom you support politically, one has to admit that this song is extremely inspirational. I have listened to this song over a dozen times. The first time I heard it, I was reminded of Philippians 4:13. My thought was that this song could be the summation of millions with the resolve of looking beyond self and helping others: healing our nation and repairing this world; with the resolve of not settling for less than the best, but it starts at the individual level and that is where Philippians 4:13 provides insight.

For Christians, Philippians 4:13 is a clarion call for a strong self-image/self-esteem through the power of Christ. I want to go back to elementary and middle school where many of us learned how to diagram sentences. If I was to diagram this sentence, I would (although many English teachers would say there are several additional options) break the sentence into five parts: “I can”, “do all things”, “through”, “Christ”, “who strengthens me.” 

Study to Show Yourself Approved - Part II, West Wing's Prophetic Voice Part A

II Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I wrote in early January about the importance of GLBTQ of knowing scripture, especially the scriptures taken out of context to commit what i call spiritual abuse against God's GLBTQ children.  As many of us know, this spiritual abuse has driven many from the faith.  I wanted to send another encouragement related to that post with this YouTube clip from the West Wing.  To appreciate the full aspect of President Josiah's, played by Martin Sheen, recital of several situations exposed in the first testament of the Christian Bible, you need to be aware of what he is quoting - although at face value you will get the gist.

Dr. Elias Farajaje-Jones - Theologian and Activist

Dr. Elias Farajaje-Jones, a theologian and activist is a bisexual of mixed heritage (African & Native American, Tsalagi/Cherokee), specialized in African Religions at the University of Bern in Switzerland. Formerly divinity professor on the faculty of Howard University.