Alright!  I must admit…it’s been a minute since I last wrote to you at length.  But, I have been busy.  Isn’t this the excuse for about everything we don’t do in our life…that we’re busy?  Sure, you HEAR me everyday, but this is now, along with everything else, a “blogging society”.

So, it has been busy in the world.  War, rumors of war, earthquakes, famine…sounds like the end of times.  However, maybe, we’ve all been too busy to notice all that is taking place.  Personally, I could get consumed in just my wife and our 6 children.  But then, I wouldn’t be able to support them if I didn’t work.  So, like millions of people like you, I am busy at work blogging to you about…well…me!

Blogging not just about me, but us!  My oldest, Shanda, a UNC grad and middle school math teacher is now in a serious relationship…her first.  This could be the one, and I could find myself giving my 1st daughter away.   Brittani, my high school senior and valedictorian, has been accepted to EVERYWHERE she has applied.  We’re praying for scholarships…in Jesus’ name!  Joseph, a junior and Josh, a freshman, both missed going to state championship football and basketball games by 1 victory.  Jeremy, a 6th grader, continues to forge his own identity as a student athlete, while Jordan, our 6 year old daughter with Down Syndrome, continues to amaze everyone.

And all the while, Sonia, my lovely wife, and I stay busy doing what we love…seeing our children stay grounded in the Lord…while in the busy world.

It’s about to get exciting in Greensboro, NC.

In a few days, despite what else is happening on the planet, the eyes of the world will converge upon the Gate City for the grand opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum (ICRCM).  Providentially, this occasion occurs 50 years to the day the last time “the eyes of the world” focused on Greensboro.  By now, one would hope that every man, woman and child (at least in the Triad) would by keenly familiar with the A&T 4 and their “en-counter” at that infamous, downtown Greensboro’s Woolworths.  Thanks to the the ICRCM, all of us can now become intimate with Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair, Jr), and the late David Richmond, as well as the movement they sparked in in the heart of young men and women all over the South, and the rest of the world, as a result of their non-violent protest.

Their courage was demonstrated in a time when such acts could easily cost you your life, and, at the least, some jail-time.  Many did pay the ultimate sacrifice, their lives honored as their mutilated bodies lay prostrate in a casket, at the alter, in the “church-house”.  Others lived, and lamented their decisions, while suffering the battery and humiliation from “Bull Conner-types”, preparing to face the magistrate while sitting in the jail beneath the “court-house”.

The civil rights movement has had it’s share of heroes (and to be politically correct, heroines).  Sadly, we are only familiar with those whose faces were beamed across a new phenomenon in the 1960s called television.  However, they represent a small percentage of them.  I believe that some of the most important contributions made in the “movement” were made by individuals whose faces fell flat on the floor of the church-house and rarely ever came up.

In the initial stages of the movement, people marched to the “church-house” and ignited non-violent protest on the alter of prayer.  However, in the movement’s latter half, the church was regulated to just being a meeting place for people to assemble before marching to the courthouse.  (Admittedly, I would have been one of the one’s ready to go downtown, although I don’t know if I would have qualified.  Great strength was required to remain silent in the face of an angry, racist mob, and being silent is not one of my strongholds.)  It’s an understandable progression, except for one unforgivable transgression.  Ever so gradually, we, the people, began to petition politicians instead of the Lord God Himself.  We (believers) grew weary in well doing, and began to seek God’s hand, and not His heart.  We forgot that God doesn’t hate people, He hates sin.  And racism is, in fact, sin.

I am forever grateful and humbled by the tremendous sacrifices made by men and women who selflessly gave their lives so that I, someone they never knew, could live in a society better than their own.  I’ve even come to understand that some of it was necessary.  But, I also want to thank those men, woman, and children, who continue to pray for God’s favor in the midst of our struggle to overcome our sin.  I’ve heard it said before, “Wise men still seek Him”.

My prayer is that as we continue the movement, “Let us not forsake the Lord, Thy God”.   Truth is, God has granted us unalienable rights, not man!  And, I choose to be on the Lord’s side.

These things seem to happen  every year.  Like clockwork, what insurance companies deem as another “act of God” has devastated a portion of the globe and captured the attention of the international media.  And quite understandably so.

The eyes of the world are on Haiti with good reason.  An earthquake measuring 7.0 has crippled areas near the capital of Port-Au-Prince.  With no power and water, rescues are near impossible.  Doctors and hospital are overwhelmed  and the corpses continue to pile up on the streets.   Images of crumbled buildings and bodies, as well as those of survivors, with their big, beautiful, teary eyes glistening despite their dust covered faces, are almost unbearable.  The number of casualties is simply staggering.  It is beyond “gut-wrenching”.

I have never visited Haiti.  I haven’t been outside the US except for a 3-day excursion to the Bahamas.  Yet,  being an American during this political climate, I’ve heard my share of complaints (even from fellow Americans) about my country being the “police” of the world”…involving, if not imposing ourselves into international affairs that should be none of our business.

This time, I’m glad America isn’t listening to the complaints.  I’m overwhelmed by the humanitarian efforts of the US towards Haiti, as well as other areas of the world who suffer!  This, too, is truly a wonderful “act of God”.

I just wish America would take care of it’s own like it does the rest of the world.

I’m praying for Haiti, America, and the rest of the world, too.

2009 is not even a week old and already people are feeling the challenges of a new year.  Me included.

Just less than a week ago, many of us filed into houses of worship, honoring a commitment to be in church when the New year came in.  we heard inspirational messages of how this would be your year…the church’s year…the year of the saint…etc.  Some prayed.  Some actually repented.   Most, however, clung to every word that was spoken over them regarding the impending “favor” of God in their lives.

And before some could even get home, even before what is traditionally the earliest breakfast of the year could be digested, the realities of life were waiting for them early in the predawn morning of Jan. 1st.  Job losses, broken families, disease and famine still exist.  Believe me…I understand.

But, I would pray that you would “believe” God in the midst of your trial and tribulation.  It’s just the beginning of the year…but the best is yet to come.  Hold on…don’t give up…you will indeed the favor of God work on your behalf.  Believe me…I understand this, too.

For my family, ushering in a New Year is synonymous with the celebration of my anniversary with my lovely wife (and my babies’ mama), Sonia.  I can’t imagine my life without her…much less another year.

I value marriage and family.

For many, success is determined by some public accomplishment.  However, any amount of success I might ever attain should be measured by my private life…by how my wife and children see me as a husband and father.

Our society doesn’t value marriage and family.

Oh well (to society)…Happy Anniversary to me…and Happy New Year to You and yours.

Every year, some well meaning individual will stroll up to me and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?”  I clearly understand their perspective.  Anyone who has braved the malls and strips over the past several days should be crowned as winner of “Survivor..The Concrete Commercial Jungle Edition”. 

However, I’ve learned how to respond to that question.  I simply say, “I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for Christmas, but I know Christmas is always ready for me.” 

The greatest gift any of us will ever have (and fewer of us will ever receive) will never be found under a tree, but instead hung, bled, and died on one, on a hill called Calvary. 

Are you ready for Christmas?  Christmas is ready for you!

On behalf of my lovely wife, Sonia…our daughters, Shanda and Brittani, sons Joseph, Joshua and Jeremy, and our baby girl Jordan, we pray God’s best for you and yours this “holy-day” season.  Merry Christmas!

Here we are, exactly one week before Christmas Day, and we are facing a Winter Storm of “epic” proportions…well, at least for the Triad.   For some, this is simply dreamy…a real life Christmas postcard.  For others, it’s a living nightmare. 

Although it is the same weather event, it yields two polarizing experiences.  Some will embrace the charm, serenity and beauty of the falling snow, while others will fear the cancellations and postponements, power outages, treacherous driving conditions, and overall inconvenience.  Yet, again, it’s the same weather event.

However, it’s nothing new for people to be a part of the same situation and have two totally different experiences.  Ask any husband and wife? 

Today, I choose to embrace the charm, serenity and beauty of the falling snow.  Let it…snow!

Hey!  I wanted to take a moment and thank all of our listeners who heard our clarion call to give and gave during our 97.1 QMG Holiday Q-munity Giving Tour!

Giving is synonymous with the holidays.  However, it is also a Biblical mandate.  We’re told to love one another (I John 4:7-8).  We’re also taught that God so “loved” the world that he “gave” his only son (John 3:16).    Here, there is a clear relationship between “loving” and “giving”.  Love is not only a noun, it is a verb…an action word!

Because our “tour” is over doesn’t mean the giving must stop.  You can give of your time or your resources.  I hope you will consider loving those that need it the most.

Yet, sadly, I’m convinced, more that ever before, that many of our listeners clearly understand the principle of receiving more than giving.   If we had been out in the community giving away concert tickets  for 1 hour,  I believe more people would have shown up with their hands out than showed up all week long with something to give.  And honestly, what we were asking for were items many of you already have…can goods, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.  But I understand all this comes with the territory.  For God’s sake, we’re a radio station and that is what we do!  We’re always giving away stuff!   Although, here lies the difference between being a listener and being family.

On our sister station, 1510 WEAL, we’re branded as “more that a radio station, we’re family”.  Family came out this week to give back to the community!  Listeners came out see what they could get from us.  None of us here at the station are exempt from this mandate to love.   No matter if you came out to give or to receive, we know you love us, and we’re grateful for your support!  And that is why, whether you’re family or listener, we’ll continue to love you, too!

Talk to you soon!

By now the world has shared it’s collective gasp regarding the adulterous affair of the world’s #1 (and most recognizable) athlete, Tiger Woods.  He has also now been affectionately downgraded within the feline food chain, and is being referred to as “Cheetah” Woods.

Without a doubt, to anyone who values the sanctity of marriage, he has blown it big time.  To compare this to the game he has utterly dominated for over a decade, he would have to have lost an 18 stroke lead…in the final round.  This was, and is, bad.

Fortunately for Tiger, our society DOESN’T value the little part of the wedding ceremony reserved for stating your complete and trusted devotion to the person standing across from you…not to mention God himself.

Like Tiger, I, too, I’m saddened and disappointed by his behavior.  No one enjoys watching him lurking his way down 18 holes in search of another PGA title more than I.  Problem is, Tiger has been lurking coast to coast in search of 18 “hos” (thanks Los), and, to me, it’s plain wrong.

Before some of you start with your typical “Judge not that ye be not judged”, or the “he who is without sin, let him cast the 1st stone” strategy…or employ the “he who looks after a woman with lust in his heart hath committed adultery” strategy, let me say this to you.  I don’t see marriage counseling offices filled with people who “thought” about adultery in their hearts.  Their offices are filled with peopled who committed it in their bodies!  In reality, I’m hopeful that Tiger will truly repent of his transgression and not succumb to giving his wife (and the public) and prepackaged public relations presentation.  And , I am praying that his wife finds a way to forgive him, and be able to love and trust her husband again.

And make no mistake…just because people call themselves (and might just be) Christians doesn’t relieve them of the temptation of sin.  However, because people call themselves (and might just be) Christians, they do have power to overcome it!  Sadly enough, many men and women of God CHOOSE to operate in the flesh and not in the power of His spirit…treating their “salvation” like a Monopoly “get out of jail card” whenever it is convenient.

Yet, as much as we have focused on the “Tigers”, the “Tye Tribbetts”, “Da Truths”, and the countless other “Christian” celebrities who have failed to uphold their marriage vows, there are actually some people who are doing it right.

Too bad none of us want to hear about them.

One of the greatest pleasures we have in radio is being able to make someone’s dream come true.  Well, OK.  We’re not giving away “lottery” money, but we DO give away our share of tickets, CDs, t-shirts, getaways, etc.  And we do this literally every single day!  It’s a part of what we do in radio.  We love our listeners.

As we approach another “holiday” season, many of you have grown accustomed to us coming out into your community.  However, over the next several weeks, it will be with an entirely different motive.  This year, just as we have the past 3 years, we will “flip the script”.  Instead of the QMG van and staff handing out family four-packs of tickets, music, t-shirts and all, we’ll ask YOU to dig down deep into your pockets (and into the inner recesses of your heart), and give.

You have done so bountifully over the years, and I’m confident that you will again be an example of a generous, “cheerful giver”.

However, I admittedly must confront my disdain for the people who will knowlingly approach the station van with absolutely no desire to give and every intention of getting as much as they can from us.  And by the way, most of the time, they are so easy to spot.  Yet, on occasion, I’ve been personally humiliated by my own lack of discernment and taught a valuable lesson regarding the danger of my own prejudices.

I can clearly remember a time I just knew I was being approached by someone who was simply going to act like they didn’t know what was going on and “hang around” long enough to get at least “two” of everything the station had to give away.  Boy, was I wrong.  Despite his worn, homeless appearance, a “fifty-ish” yr old, unshaven man walked toward me with an outstretched arm, slowly revealing his decayed teeth as he managed a smiled.  “Here we go again”, I thought.  Instead, as he opened his clutched fist and peeled back his dirty hand, there sat a crumpled $100 bill.  Outwardly, I went throught the motions of looking into his eyes and mouthing a genuine, yet surprising,  “Thank you”.  Yet, inwardly, I justifiably felt like a lousy, slimy hypocrite, totally unworthy of accepting his gift, yet alone being in his presence.

Sadly, and much more often though, I see my share of BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus brand vehicles drive up; inquire what we we’re doing; ignore our appeal to help the less fortunate; proceed to ask us what we have to giveaway; demand some CDs; then pull away only leaving the fumes from their new automobile’s dual exhaust system.  I guess we deserve to be choked up from the thought that people might really care enough to give back without expecting something in return.

Over the course of the next several weeks, my prayer is that we will find common ground and understanding regarding charity.  If we are out accepting donations for those less fortunate, I hope that you’ll look to, first, give.  And I hope that I won’t make the mistake of thinking that as you drive up in your nice car you’re just not wanting something from us.

However, I must admit, I’ll be looking for ones who walk and up and don’t “look the part”.  I call them our ”hidden treasures in darkness”.  The lesson they teach might just be the best gift any person could receive this “Holy-Day” season.

Lesson learned.

Joseph Level