A father’s take on things that matter most, by Mr. J

I enjoyed the following blog. It was very inspirational. Mr. J has a new fan. Me! His view of parenthood is on point. The Blog is directed to Black men, but the sentiments can be felt by all parents. Parenthood is such a wonderful task. All good parents evaluate their methods to ensure they are providing the best example, guidance and reinforcement for their children.
So click on the following link and enjoy Mr. J’s Blog.


iAMrj.com: A father’s take on things that matter most

Beyond the connotation of “Christian.”

Several days ago, I spoke with a good friend about my spiritual journey. I told her that I did not consider myself Christian anymore, (Read Journey to Enlightenment Blog to review my proclamation) and she thought I had gone to the dark side. She asked me if I was Atheist and I responded no.    I attempted to share my research and discoveries to date, but she would not openly listen to me. It seems that the mere thought of me letting go of the title "Christian" dooms me to hell.   

Note: As I began to write this blog, my ego tried over and over to dictate this blog. My Ego had me. I was thinking elitist thoughts and harboring a judgmental attitude.

. As I thought more about denouncing Christianity, I realized that I was completely wrong about denouncing my Christianity. I am learning about eastern philosophies and being feed by Yoga and Buddhism does not mean that I am not a follower of Christ. I believe that calling Me a Christian does not provide the keys to Heaven. Adhering to the word of God (Jesus) and his divine messengers throughout time will provide truth and insight, enlightenment and heaven.

As I continued my introspective examination, I began to realize that I was taking a pompous approach to my personal philosophical and spiritual discoveries. I was allowing myself to manifest an elitists attitude towards professed Christians. I felt that my journey provided me with an insight that no other person has discovered. How EGO driven is that!

I am a follower of Christ, and I am learning from the teachings of Pantanjali and the Buddha. I quite sure once I began to read the Quran I will absorb knowledge from Mohammad and Baha’u’llah. I believe more now than ever. The Lord provides his truth for all to discover and follow.

I am a Christian, but in this spiritual quest, I am learning so much now that I am moving beyond what I defined as the typical connotation of “Christian.” I am a student of God. I am absorbing teaching from Christianity, Hatha-Yoga, Baha'I, and Buddhism.

No one should follow religion blindly, and I hope my friend understands her own spirituality. Ultimately we must make sure we are living a fulfilling life and if our life is not happy, we may need to examine our spiritual path.

That's what I love about this journey for truth.  As your garden grows spiritually, you can continue nurturing and weeding out things that are not good you. Truth is the only absolute thing on this journey.

Note

Technorati Tags: Religion,spirituality,yoga,life,journey,christianity

On the Bus

I jumped on the Bus with my son today to drop him off at Ms Marva, and I began to realize that the Bus and its inhabitances had become a part of me. I spoke to the driver and smiled at the older lady and she reciprocated. Everyone knew my routine and they expected to see me and my son. As people got on the bus, I began to speak to people and smile and make small talk. I even had a lady of to give me the “eye”. J
There was a man on the bus who was offended by a older lady coughing. Because of the coughing, He opened the bus window and exposed the elderly woman to the crisp morning air. She asked him to close it. He got upset and went off on her, because of the coughing and the fact that her English was thick because of her heavy accent!. Everyone look at him (including myself) with disapproval and concern. I think that our distaste for his manners affected him so badly, that he got off the bus at the next available stop. Now I understand his concern for her coughing, but disrespecting an elder is not acceptable. He should know and understand that completely.
Now after the bus ride, I got on the metro and I smiled at the same familiar faces and spoke to the same people in Vienna. I thought to myself, “Wow all of these people are a part of my life and they affect me and I affect them. A smile from them can put me in a good mood and vice versa. When you feel like you are alone. Something reminds you your presence in the world

Journey to Enlightenment

Technorati Tags: Journey,enlightenment,philosophy,christianity,islam,pantanjali

 

Over the past several weeks, I have been doing quite a bit of philosophical and spiritual studies. I am reading to provide insight into God’s purpose for me and my family.

I was born into Christianity and I came up in a church that CLAIM TO TEACH the “naked truth.” The “naked truth” according to this Church was raw without sugar coats. This organization was a hell fire and brimstone Holiness Church. Unfortunately this brand of the so called “truth” left me empty, unfulfilled and hopeless.

As an 8 year old boy, my heart desire was to feel the God as others did. I have now become conscious and I will not fake my beliefs nor will I put on a show, but as God manifest himself to me and through me, I will share my gift with you.

I have now realized that God did not define us as Christians, Muslim, Buddhist or etc.., but humans have provided these titles and the religious bigotry. I believe that God’s truth is constant and true always. It does not matter what label is attached to it, or who proclaims it. It is still truth.

So with that in mind I officially become a student of God and his Truth. I will only follow his design. I will not be bounded by any belief system that promotes closed-mindedness, violence, bigotry, intolerance.

I believe that God has manifested himself through his son. I believe that Christ is the Son of God.

I am reading others such as Buddha, Mohammad, and Pantanjali as a part of my studies.

I plan to update my blog from time to time as I continue my Journey to Enlightenment.

John 5:39
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.