So a few days ago on Twitter, there was a debate or "healthy conversation" about the word nigger, or what some people call, "the n-word." Brian White, an actor that was in Stomp The Yard and I Can Do Bad All Myself, was retweeting responses on the issue. So here's what I said:
"the whole nigger, nigga, or "N-Word" debate is a to each his own debate, in my opinion."
Low and behold, Brian White responded:
"It is systemic, no? A global issue. Look on FB right now and view 16-20 year old Asian; Latino teens using it with each other - no Black kids in sight. WTH? So basically, we intended to embrace the word so it hurt less; in theory, elevate & empower ourselves by changing its meaning...But the real net result is that all races descended to embrace that awful word; use it among their own as it is used in hip-hop."
Brian wasn't the only one that wanted to jump in. A lady named Dawn jumped in with this:
"Mos def systemic! Not just "to each his own"
Ok, let me explain something. As some of you know, I spent about 6 months in the midwest. Just about every day of my stay up there, I heard black folks use the word, "nigga" as if it was everyday vocab. During my whole life time, I've heard preacher after preacher use, "nigga." Saved, sanctified, holy ghost filled...preachers. Now the Bible talks about how we can't judge somebody on if they're saved or not. I can't judge somebody on their salvation. That's between them and the Lord. So, I'll say it again, and you can disagree with me if you want, it IS a to each his own debate.
Now let me say this. Nigger is a racial term and I understand that. It is offensive to some people. Some people have stopped using this "offensive word." Yet they still cuss. So it's ok to cuss someone out but it's not ok to call them a racial term? I didn't do well in school, but even I know that something ain't right with that equation. I believe that if you can stop saying nigger, you can stop cussing all together. But don't tell me a word is wrong when you're liable to cuss somebody out for looking at you cross-eyed. A sin is a what? Sin. So that means what ever the sin is, it's what? Wrong. So being a racist and/or being a cusser is what? Wrong. Or am I wrong? You tell me.
And another thing. What makes nigga so special that it gets to be called the "n-word?" Like it's the only word in dictionary that begins with the letter "n." Nine, number, next, nucleus, neighbor, neighborhood, neck, nasty, nosy, noise, nose...I think you get my point. I was just wondering.
Remember before any of you go in on me, this is my blog, and my opinion.
Share your thoughts. I'd love to read and respond to them. Twitter and Facebook is on the right. Youtube is DanielakaBigd.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Treat others how you WANT to be treated
So I was talking to this man, and this man hates Sarah Palin. I mean he literally hates the ground she walks on. It’s to the point where she shows up on TV, and it’s like his blood pressure rises. Watching Inside Edition on NBC, they show portions of Sarah’s interview on GMA, Good Morning America, on ABC. Sarah came off with the line that was something like, “You can’t take down a caribou with a bb gun,” and made a little smirk after it. This man asks me if I saw it on TV, and I said yeah. He says, and I paraphrase, “She’s so stupid. Did you see that smirk on her face? Just stupid.” Mind you this is coming from a man that doesn’t like being called stupid. He doesn’t like being insulted. Yet he’s insulting this woman who’s just stating her opinion after being asked a question. Before I go on, I’m not a fan of Mrs. Palin’s politics. I think she’s not quite ready for prime time when it comes to politics. Just my opinion.
Now listening to this man, I got to thinking. I tweeted this after this man went on this rampage of hate against Sarah Palin, “So if you dont like being insulted, why insult others?” Everyone knows the phrase, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” Growing up in elementary and middle school, I was the smelly kid in class. I got cracked on by what seemed like the whole class everyday. No body cared about my well being. They didn’t care about my feelings being hurt. I would stand in line, and people would automatically hold their nose. I would sit beside somebody and they would immediately be disgusted. My point is this, I didn’t like being insulted. I would come home crying. Sometimes I would cry in school. And one of the many faults in my life, I would take it out on my little sister. I become a hypocrite later in life because I would treat others the same way I got treated. The phrase is, “Treat others how you WANT to be treated.” Not how you got treated.
One would make the case, and I make this case when I’m playing around, “She can’t hear me.” It doesn’t matter. An insult is an insult weather one can hear it or not. Especially if their honest insults, not in the Don Rickles insult comic sense of insults. I told this man after his rampage, “Just come out and say it. You hate Sarah Palin. It’s not about the smirk or anything, you hate Sarah Palin.” To his credit, he didn’t deny it. Me personally, I’ve only disliked a handful of people in my lifetime. By handful I mean by like 2 or 3. Don’t bother to ask who they were because honestly, it’s none of your business, and it’s not even worth it.
The Bible says that we should love others as Christ loves us. The Bible also says that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Clean heart, clean mouth. Create in me a clean heart. As the song says, “I know the Bible is right.”
Thanks for reading this. Share your opinion on this subject by commenting below. Be free to check any of the old blogs and share your comments on them as well. Follow me on Twitter. Friend me on Facebook. The links to those are on this page to your right. Subscribe to me on YouTube: DanielakaBigd.
Stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
Now listening to this man, I got to thinking. I tweeted this after this man went on this rampage of hate against Sarah Palin, “So if you dont like being insulted, why insult others?” Everyone knows the phrase, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” Growing up in elementary and middle school, I was the smelly kid in class. I got cracked on by what seemed like the whole class everyday. No body cared about my well being. They didn’t care about my feelings being hurt. I would stand in line, and people would automatically hold their nose. I would sit beside somebody and they would immediately be disgusted. My point is this, I didn’t like being insulted. I would come home crying. Sometimes I would cry in school. And one of the many faults in my life, I would take it out on my little sister. I become a hypocrite later in life because I would treat others the same way I got treated. The phrase is, “Treat others how you WANT to be treated.” Not how you got treated.
One would make the case, and I make this case when I’m playing around, “She can’t hear me.” It doesn’t matter. An insult is an insult weather one can hear it or not. Especially if their honest insults, not in the Don Rickles insult comic sense of insults. I told this man after his rampage, “Just come out and say it. You hate Sarah Palin. It’s not about the smirk or anything, you hate Sarah Palin.” To his credit, he didn’t deny it. Me personally, I’ve only disliked a handful of people in my lifetime. By handful I mean by like 2 or 3. Don’t bother to ask who they were because honestly, it’s none of your business, and it’s not even worth it.
The Bible says that we should love others as Christ loves us. The Bible also says that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Clean heart, clean mouth. Create in me a clean heart. As the song says, “I know the Bible is right.”
Thanks for reading this. Share your opinion on this subject by commenting below. Be free to check any of the old blogs and share your comments on them as well. Follow me on Twitter. Friend me on Facebook. The links to those are on this page to your right. Subscribe to me on YouTube: DanielakaBigd.
Stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
My God is more than enough
This Holiday Season is expected to be a rough one for this country. It probably already took its toll on some of you that are reading this. I know personally, it’s taken its toll on me. Here’s what gets me through though: my God is more than enough. There’s song we used to sing that says, “My God is more than enough. He shall supply all my needs. He is my El Shaddai. He always looks out for me. Jehovah Jireh, He is my God.” I’m just crazy enough to believe all that.
If you go to Matthew 14:13-21, you’ll find view of the familiar story where Jesus fed 5000 people. All they had was two fishes and five loaves. Jesus took that and with the help of God made it more than enough. All 5000 were fed and full and there were leftovers to take home. And I’m crazy enough to believe, that if God can do that then, He is able to that now. I believe God is going to be more than enough for families that are going through this year.
I’m not saying that a fat old white man is going to drop presents from a flying sleigh, sorry kids, he doesn’t exist. What I am saying is that if you give God the very best you can, He will honor that. Now I’m also not saying that all this will happen over night. God is able to do that, but you may have to wait. Some of us need to learn the value of patience. Now being patient does not give the right to do nothing. Someone told me once; you do what you gotta do, until God puts you in position to be blessed. The Bible says that if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. People use that for people who don’t have jobs, but I think it also means that if you don’t work in the spiritual since, you don’t reap the benefits. I heard it said, “When the praises go up, blessings come down.” Praise is an action. Praise is a form of work that will get you what you need to eat in a sense from God.
So don’t be sad this Holiday Season. Don’t focus on the bank account or what little you got in the cabinet. The Bible talks about being faithful of a few things. I just choose to believe that God is going show us that He is still God. He is still the one who provides for His people. The Bible says, “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread.” What do you choose to believe?
Just remember that God is more than enough this season.
Stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
P.S. The Bible also talks about being content. We got to learn to be content in where we are. We may not have a “baller” house, but we have shelter. We may not have the drop top we want, but we have transportation. We may not be eating Fatz Café every night, but we have food in the cabinet. Like the song says, “If God never does anything else for me, He’s done enough!”
If you go to Matthew 14:13-21, you’ll find view of the familiar story where Jesus fed 5000 people. All they had was two fishes and five loaves. Jesus took that and with the help of God made it more than enough. All 5000 were fed and full and there were leftovers to take home. And I’m crazy enough to believe, that if God can do that then, He is able to that now. I believe God is going to be more than enough for families that are going through this year.
I’m not saying that a fat old white man is going to drop presents from a flying sleigh, sorry kids, he doesn’t exist. What I am saying is that if you give God the very best you can, He will honor that. Now I’m also not saying that all this will happen over night. God is able to do that, but you may have to wait. Some of us need to learn the value of patience. Now being patient does not give the right to do nothing. Someone told me once; you do what you gotta do, until God puts you in position to be blessed. The Bible says that if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. People use that for people who don’t have jobs, but I think it also means that if you don’t work in the spiritual since, you don’t reap the benefits. I heard it said, “When the praises go up, blessings come down.” Praise is an action. Praise is a form of work that will get you what you need to eat in a sense from God.
So don’t be sad this Holiday Season. Don’t focus on the bank account or what little you got in the cabinet. The Bible talks about being faithful of a few things. I just choose to believe that God is going show us that He is still God. He is still the one who provides for His people. The Bible says, “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread.” What do you choose to believe?
Just remember that God is more than enough this season.
Stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
P.S. The Bible also talks about being content. We got to learn to be content in where we are. We may not have a “baller” house, but we have shelter. We may not have the drop top we want, but we have transportation. We may not be eating Fatz Café every night, but we have food in the cabinet. Like the song says, “If God never does anything else for me, He’s done enough!”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I am not a grown man...yet
We know the phrase, we quote the phrase, "Age ain't nothing but a number." I got to thinking about that. I was on the phone with this lady on Monday, and she called me a grown "A" man. Yes, this grown lady actually said, "A." Side bar: if you're a cusser, than just say the word. "A?" Really? Anyway, I guess based upon my age, 23, that she put it together that I was a grown man. Why? Because of my age? My age does not make me a grown man. My facial hair doesn't make me a grown man. I do not consider myself a grown man. I'm a 23 year old boy. I have no job. I live with my dad. I am not a grown man. How's that for honesty?
In my opinion, the action makes the man more than the age. As my actions change, as my choices change, I think that's more of the man I will become. I think the more I mature get, the more I look for a job, the more I act like a man, the more of a man I will become. There's a lot have grown boys like me out there. Again, I know legally I'm a grown man, but mentally, I'm not there, yet. But I will be there one day. I still have a lot of things to work on.
What's your opinion? Share your thoughts below.
Thanks for reading!
Stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
In my opinion, the action makes the man more than the age. As my actions change, as my choices change, I think that's more of the man I will become. I think the more I mature get, the more I look for a job, the more I act like a man, the more of a man I will become. There's a lot have grown boys like me out there. Again, I know legally I'm a grown man, but mentally, I'm not there, yet. But I will be there one day. I still have a lot of things to work on.
What's your opinion? Share your thoughts below.
Thanks for reading!
Stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
Friday, November 12, 2010
My thoughts on the "Obesity Epidemic"
Ok so for that past months, years, or what ever, America has been going through this “obesity epidemic.” The young generation is apparently getting fatter. Airlines are charging people that are last 3 levels of fatness for two seats. For those who are not fans of Gabriel Iglesias, there are 6 levels of fatness. There’s big, healthy, husky, fluffy, [dang], and aww [heck] no. I consider myself level 3.
Anyway, with this “epidemic” going on, the higher ups in San Francisco is making a law that the Happy Meals will no longer come with toys if they meal including the drink has more than 600 calories. Only about 135 of the calories can be from fat. First of all, I got two words for them people making the law, and trust me, I mean this with in the most Christian way, shut up. Ha-ha, y’all thought I was going to say suck—never mind. Seriously though, shut up. McDonalds is not the reason people are fat. Happy Meals are not the reason the youth are getting fat. It is not the government’s job to dictate what we eat. It’s not the government’s job to be the parents to the youth. The fast food restaurants do not force the food down our throats. Restaurants in general don’t make people go in and order the “fattening food.” We as people, or Americans, have to take responsibility of our choices and stop blaming the food. All of you who are parents need to take responsibility of what you feed your kids. If you want your kids to eat right, you feed them what’s right. You go to the store and buy what’s right. If you keep taking them to McDonald’s everyday, what do you think it’s going to happen? My mom used to say this all the time, “If you eat fat greasy food, you’re going to be a fat greasy dude.” It’s your choice of what you eat. It’s your choice of what you put in your mouth. Stop blaming the food at the restaurants.
Life is all about choices. If I choose to go to Five Guys and order a bacon cheese burger with the words and a regular order of fries, it’s my choice. When I go to places like Five Guys, Fatz, Applebee’s, etc, do you actually think I’m worrying about calories? No! If I’m worried about calories or my weight, why would I go to those restaurants? I’ve said for years that common sense needs to make a comeback in the worse way. It’s been gone for way to long and this so called epidemic proves it. Come on people. You watch the news and they have all this stuff about how many calories are in this or that…who cares? If you don’t want to eat it, then here’s a crazy thought, DON’T EAT IT!! Feel the weight off your shoulders? Do you feel it?
Listening to the radio, this disc jockey was saying it was a good idea that the government was going to dictate what our kids eat. Ok, first of all, what do the toys have to do with it? This disc jockey, who needs to stick to playing Gospel music because he’s comments are mostly idiotic, said that kids only want the toys anyway. He said sometimes they don’t even eat the food. So putting “healthy” food in the Happy Meal is going to make the kids eat it? Id-i-ot-ic! Clap clap clap clap clap! Id-i-ot-ic!
Let me put this in, the biggest hypocrite through all this is, Jay Leno. Everyone’s favorite Tonight Show host, especially after he took the show back from Conan. He the main guy talking about, “You know, how fat are we getting in this country?” Now I’m a husky guy. I admit it. I know my diet is not the most “healthy.” Last I heard, though, Jay’s diet is worse than mine. So a man with a diet like his is talking about the food in restaurants being bad. Come on Jay! For one the fat jokes are not funny, as most of your jokes now days are not funny. BUT I digress. You make these fat jokes, and then you have Paula Deen on your show? SHUT UP!
I would love to hear your opinion on this subject. Share them below. Let’s make healthy, no pun intended, conversation. Thanks for reading.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Anyway, with this “epidemic” going on, the higher ups in San Francisco is making a law that the Happy Meals will no longer come with toys if they meal including the drink has more than 600 calories. Only about 135 of the calories can be from fat. First of all, I got two words for them people making the law, and trust me, I mean this with in the most Christian way, shut up. Ha-ha, y’all thought I was going to say suck—never mind. Seriously though, shut up. McDonalds is not the reason people are fat. Happy Meals are not the reason the youth are getting fat. It is not the government’s job to dictate what we eat. It’s not the government’s job to be the parents to the youth. The fast food restaurants do not force the food down our throats. Restaurants in general don’t make people go in and order the “fattening food.” We as people, or Americans, have to take responsibility of our choices and stop blaming the food. All of you who are parents need to take responsibility of what you feed your kids. If you want your kids to eat right, you feed them what’s right. You go to the store and buy what’s right. If you keep taking them to McDonald’s everyday, what do you think it’s going to happen? My mom used to say this all the time, “If you eat fat greasy food, you’re going to be a fat greasy dude.” It’s your choice of what you eat. It’s your choice of what you put in your mouth. Stop blaming the food at the restaurants.
Life is all about choices. If I choose to go to Five Guys and order a bacon cheese burger with the words and a regular order of fries, it’s my choice. When I go to places like Five Guys, Fatz, Applebee’s, etc, do you actually think I’m worrying about calories? No! If I’m worried about calories or my weight, why would I go to those restaurants? I’ve said for years that common sense needs to make a comeback in the worse way. It’s been gone for way to long and this so called epidemic proves it. Come on people. You watch the news and they have all this stuff about how many calories are in this or that…who cares? If you don’t want to eat it, then here’s a crazy thought, DON’T EAT IT!! Feel the weight off your shoulders? Do you feel it?
Listening to the radio, this disc jockey was saying it was a good idea that the government was going to dictate what our kids eat. Ok, first of all, what do the toys have to do with it? This disc jockey, who needs to stick to playing Gospel music because he’s comments are mostly idiotic, said that kids only want the toys anyway. He said sometimes they don’t even eat the food. So putting “healthy” food in the Happy Meal is going to make the kids eat it? Id-i-ot-ic! Clap clap clap clap clap! Id-i-ot-ic!
Let me put this in, the biggest hypocrite through all this is, Jay Leno. Everyone’s favorite Tonight Show host, especially after he took the show back from Conan. He the main guy talking about, “You know, how fat are we getting in this country?” Now I’m a husky guy. I admit it. I know my diet is not the most “healthy.” Last I heard, though, Jay’s diet is worse than mine. So a man with a diet like his is talking about the food in restaurants being bad. Come on Jay! For one the fat jokes are not funny, as most of your jokes now days are not funny. BUT I digress. You make these fat jokes, and then you have Paula Deen on your show? SHUT UP!
I would love to hear your opinion on this subject. Share them below. Let’s make healthy, no pun intended, conversation. Thanks for reading.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Walk Your Own Path
I don’t watch Oprah much or not at all. I never was a big fan of hers, and really got turned off when she denied Christ. So safe to say, it would have to be something interesting for me to watch it.
I heard Tyler Perry was going to be on, and me being a huge fan of his, this was a definite watch for me. The whole interview was hard for me to watch. It wasn’t because I experienced what he did because thank God I didn’t, but just the graphic and craziness that went on in his life was just unbearable to hear. I literally had chills listening to what came out of his mouth, and it’s amazing that he’s walking tall using his past as a spring for his fame now.
I can’t and don’t even want to imagine what it felt like to go through what he went through. This is why you got to be careful about saying, “I want to be like this guy,” or “I want to be like that guy or gal,” because you have no idea what they went through to get where they are now. I heard Shawn Michaels say this in a shoot interview where he was talking about Vince McMahon. He said, paraphrasing, that a lot of people go to Vince and ask him to “make me a millionaire” but don’t want to do the work.
There’s a phrase I heard a lot growing up that says, “You got to go through to get to.” There’s a lot of truth in that statement. All of us got our own paths to take. Me, myself, personally…I’m having trouble with my own path, so why would I want to walk in Tyler Perry’s shoes, or Donnie McClurkin’s shoes, or any other celebrity. Heck for that matter, I wouldn’t want to walk some of the paths you guys take every day. I think that’s why some people are scared to live out the best of their lives because they know that it’s not going to be a “cakewalk.” I know that’s sort of my thing now. I grew up with this mentality that life was going to be easy. I wish I could go back to that kid and tell him the truth.
Like I said in my blog on Job Core, I do have dreams. For a while I didn’t have dreams. I had dreams when I slept at night, but never had the kind of dreams of what I wanted to do with my life. Now I realize my dreams and aspirations, I’m trying to figure out how to pursue them. Why would I want anybody to walk in my shoes, when I’m still trying to figure out what my shoe size is? Know what I mean?
So don’t wish to be like anybody else. Wish to be like you. If you don’t like you right now, wish to be a better you. How do you be a better you? I really can’t answer that because I’m on the path of becoming a better me as I’m typing this. I’m still trying to figure that out. I do know one thing that helps. Being saved. Having Jesus in my heart. That helps a whole bunch.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
I heard Tyler Perry was going to be on, and me being a huge fan of his, this was a definite watch for me. The whole interview was hard for me to watch. It wasn’t because I experienced what he did because thank God I didn’t, but just the graphic and craziness that went on in his life was just unbearable to hear. I literally had chills listening to what came out of his mouth, and it’s amazing that he’s walking tall using his past as a spring for his fame now.
I can’t and don’t even want to imagine what it felt like to go through what he went through. This is why you got to be careful about saying, “I want to be like this guy,” or “I want to be like that guy or gal,” because you have no idea what they went through to get where they are now. I heard Shawn Michaels say this in a shoot interview where he was talking about Vince McMahon. He said, paraphrasing, that a lot of people go to Vince and ask him to “make me a millionaire” but don’t want to do the work.
There’s a phrase I heard a lot growing up that says, “You got to go through to get to.” There’s a lot of truth in that statement. All of us got our own paths to take. Me, myself, personally…I’m having trouble with my own path, so why would I want to walk in Tyler Perry’s shoes, or Donnie McClurkin’s shoes, or any other celebrity. Heck for that matter, I wouldn’t want to walk some of the paths you guys take every day. I think that’s why some people are scared to live out the best of their lives because they know that it’s not going to be a “cakewalk.” I know that’s sort of my thing now. I grew up with this mentality that life was going to be easy. I wish I could go back to that kid and tell him the truth.
Like I said in my blog on Job Core, I do have dreams. For a while I didn’t have dreams. I had dreams when I slept at night, but never had the kind of dreams of what I wanted to do with my life. Now I realize my dreams and aspirations, I’m trying to figure out how to pursue them. Why would I want anybody to walk in my shoes, when I’m still trying to figure out what my shoe size is? Know what I mean?
So don’t wish to be like anybody else. Wish to be like you. If you don’t like you right now, wish to be a better you. How do you be a better you? I really can’t answer that because I’m on the path of becoming a better me as I’m typing this. I’m still trying to figure that out. I do know one thing that helps. Being saved. Having Jesus in my heart. That helps a whole bunch.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Friday, October 15, 2010
I'm just a wrestling fan, what do I know? (10/14/10)
Originally posted on WWE Universe, but I decided to share it here also:
It’s been a while since I’ve blogged period, let alone about Professional Wrestling. A lot has been on my mind about it, so I’m just going to get right to it. First of all, Kevin Nash. I’ve been a Kevin Nash fan ever since Diesel in the WWF. I’ve been a mark for the Clique for the longest time, even before I knew they were actually a group. In my opinion, he’s easily a Hall of Famer for the WWE. Now since he’s gone from TNA, wouldn’t it be crazy if he turned out to be the Raw GM? Just a thought. I mentioned Nash mainly because of his decision to go home and spend time with his family. I hope his wrestling mind will continue to help the business in the future, but his time in the ring is done, in my opinion.
Now for the guy I once called the “Loose Cannon” of 2010, Matthew Moore Hardy. When all this craziness started, I was a fan. I thought it was a great addition for his character and that he was going to finally get the push he deserves. Then Matt did something that I still think was a mistake. He came out on youtube and said that “MATTHEW (ALL CAPS!)” was a character. I think he could’ve gotten so much out of it, and he still can, but coming out and stating the obvious that MATTHEW is a character was a mistake because I feel that it could’ve gone over like Brian Pillman, where people would question what is real and not real. I guess people still will, but the effect won’t be as strong. Also through all this drama, I was hoping along with other fans, that Matt was NOT going to go to TNA. Turns out that could be a possibility. Another mistake. TNA doesn’t push the guys they have, and Matt coming in would not be fair to them. If/When Matt goes to TNA, they would have to immediately push him because that would be smart business. WWE is really losing out on this whole deal. I’ve said for the longest that the two people that deserved a push in the WWE the most are Matt Hardy and Christian. It’s done for Matt in the WWE for the time being, so hopefully when Christian comes back from this injury, he’ll FINALLY get the push for the title that he rightfully deserves, and hopefully we’ll finally see an Edge and Christian reunion which all fans have been hoping for ever since Christian came back to the WWE.
Now for this PG rating. I admit, I’ve changed my opinion on this time and time again. I’ve come to this conclusion. The PG rating is not the problem. WWE lost its balls. And I know who took them. Chris Benoit, yes that guy, and Linda McMahon. When the Benoit fiasco happened, and when Linda decided to run for the Senate, the balls of the WWE got taken away. Chris died, and you could see the beginning of the watered down product. Then with Linda running for an office. She didn’t want WWE to hinder her chances, so WWE watered down the product. All this is bull. The age demographic of the professional wrestling is male 18 to 35. I’m 23 years old, so I’m right there in the mix. WWE is catering to tweens and little kids who have to be in bed when Raw comes on anyway. It makes no dang sense. Why not cater to the 18 to 35 male demographic? The people that can actually buy the tickets? The people that can actually buy the merch? The no blood thing is just stupid. Really? Stopping a match for blood? Doesn’t that take away from the match itself? Nobody backstage think about that? I guess it makes to much sense.
I’m just a wrestling fan people. I’ve been one most of my life. I am a man, and I’m 23 years old so I fit in with that 18 to 35 male demographic that pro wrestling is supposed to cater to. I’m not a wrestling promoter. I’m not a “creative genius” that writes out story lines, but here’s how I would do things. If I’m the top company, I would try to keep the company on top by continuing using what works with the crowd. Why get away from it? The original ECW made it work for 7 years, and if it wasn’t for bad business management, they’d still be doing it today, not messing up their careers in TNA. Yes I said it. Then I would make it less of a priority for the writers to come up with character development, but make it more of a priority for the wrestlers themselves to come up with something for their character since they’re the ones that have to go out and perform. I would ask questions like, Where do you want your character to go? What ideas do you have? If the ideas are usable and good, I would try them. What do I have to loose? If they don’t work or lose money, then we end the storyline and go to the next one. Plain and simple. As for the divas or any other wrestlers that are not quite ready for prime time, I would put them through a 3 to 6 month wrestling boot camp. Those who survive go to developmental and continue to learn. Those who don’t survive will hopefully have the heart to continue trying or if not find something else. If any in the locker room doesn’t have the passion for the business, they’re gone. Again, I’m just a wrestling fan. What do I know, right?
Wrestling needs a make-over in the worse way. I do like the youth movement going on in the WWE right now. What I don’t like is Daniel Bryan jobbing for Sheamas. That’s not smart business. Daniel Bryan is over with the crowd and the internet, number one. Number two, he’s one of the best talents you have in the locker room. So why would you have him win the US Title one night, then the next night bury him. What kind of business is that? Dumb, that’s what it is. Btw, with CM Punk on Raw now, WWE would be stupid not to put Punk and Bryan in a feud. I’ll guarantee if given the right freedom, they’d steal the show on any pay-per-view or Monday Night Raw.
TNA is again proving that it is indeed WWE’s graveyard with the signing of Mickie James. I wish Mickie James nothing but the best in TNA, and I’m sure she’ll do well there.
One last thing that needs to be said. FIRE JOHNNY ACE!! FIRE MICHEAL COLE!! That is all.
Thank for reading this lengthy blog. Comment below on what you agree with or disagree with. Share with other wrestling fans.
~Daniel Richerson
It’s been a while since I’ve blogged period, let alone about Professional Wrestling. A lot has been on my mind about it, so I’m just going to get right to it. First of all, Kevin Nash. I’ve been a Kevin Nash fan ever since Diesel in the WWF. I’ve been a mark for the Clique for the longest time, even before I knew they were actually a group. In my opinion, he’s easily a Hall of Famer for the WWE. Now since he’s gone from TNA, wouldn’t it be crazy if he turned out to be the Raw GM? Just a thought. I mentioned Nash mainly because of his decision to go home and spend time with his family. I hope his wrestling mind will continue to help the business in the future, but his time in the ring is done, in my opinion.
Now for the guy I once called the “Loose Cannon” of 2010, Matthew Moore Hardy. When all this craziness started, I was a fan. I thought it was a great addition for his character and that he was going to finally get the push he deserves. Then Matt did something that I still think was a mistake. He came out on youtube and said that “MATTHEW (ALL CAPS!)” was a character. I think he could’ve gotten so much out of it, and he still can, but coming out and stating the obvious that MATTHEW is a character was a mistake because I feel that it could’ve gone over like Brian Pillman, where people would question what is real and not real. I guess people still will, but the effect won’t be as strong. Also through all this drama, I was hoping along with other fans, that Matt was NOT going to go to TNA. Turns out that could be a possibility. Another mistake. TNA doesn’t push the guys they have, and Matt coming in would not be fair to them. If/When Matt goes to TNA, they would have to immediately push him because that would be smart business. WWE is really losing out on this whole deal. I’ve said for the longest that the two people that deserved a push in the WWE the most are Matt Hardy and Christian. It’s done for Matt in the WWE for the time being, so hopefully when Christian comes back from this injury, he’ll FINALLY get the push for the title that he rightfully deserves, and hopefully we’ll finally see an Edge and Christian reunion which all fans have been hoping for ever since Christian came back to the WWE.
Now for this PG rating. I admit, I’ve changed my opinion on this time and time again. I’ve come to this conclusion. The PG rating is not the problem. WWE lost its balls. And I know who took them. Chris Benoit, yes that guy, and Linda McMahon. When the Benoit fiasco happened, and when Linda decided to run for the Senate, the balls of the WWE got taken away. Chris died, and you could see the beginning of the watered down product. Then with Linda running for an office. She didn’t want WWE to hinder her chances, so WWE watered down the product. All this is bull. The age demographic of the professional wrestling is male 18 to 35. I’m 23 years old, so I’m right there in the mix. WWE is catering to tweens and little kids who have to be in bed when Raw comes on anyway. It makes no dang sense. Why not cater to the 18 to 35 male demographic? The people that can actually buy the tickets? The people that can actually buy the merch? The no blood thing is just stupid. Really? Stopping a match for blood? Doesn’t that take away from the match itself? Nobody backstage think about that? I guess it makes to much sense.
I’m just a wrestling fan people. I’ve been one most of my life. I am a man, and I’m 23 years old so I fit in with that 18 to 35 male demographic that pro wrestling is supposed to cater to. I’m not a wrestling promoter. I’m not a “creative genius” that writes out story lines, but here’s how I would do things. If I’m the top company, I would try to keep the company on top by continuing using what works with the crowd. Why get away from it? The original ECW made it work for 7 years, and if it wasn’t for bad business management, they’d still be doing it today, not messing up their careers in TNA. Yes I said it. Then I would make it less of a priority for the writers to come up with character development, but make it more of a priority for the wrestlers themselves to come up with something for their character since they’re the ones that have to go out and perform. I would ask questions like, Where do you want your character to go? What ideas do you have? If the ideas are usable and good, I would try them. What do I have to loose? If they don’t work or lose money, then we end the storyline and go to the next one. Plain and simple. As for the divas or any other wrestlers that are not quite ready for prime time, I would put them through a 3 to 6 month wrestling boot camp. Those who survive go to developmental and continue to learn. Those who don’t survive will hopefully have the heart to continue trying or if not find something else. If any in the locker room doesn’t have the passion for the business, they’re gone. Again, I’m just a wrestling fan. What do I know, right?
Wrestling needs a make-over in the worse way. I do like the youth movement going on in the WWE right now. What I don’t like is Daniel Bryan jobbing for Sheamas. That’s not smart business. Daniel Bryan is over with the crowd and the internet, number one. Number two, he’s one of the best talents you have in the locker room. So why would you have him win the US Title one night, then the next night bury him. What kind of business is that? Dumb, that’s what it is. Btw, with CM Punk on Raw now, WWE would be stupid not to put Punk and Bryan in a feud. I’ll guarantee if given the right freedom, they’d steal the show on any pay-per-view or Monday Night Raw.
TNA is again proving that it is indeed WWE’s graveyard with the signing of Mickie James. I wish Mickie James nothing but the best in TNA, and I’m sure she’ll do well there.
One last thing that needs to be said. FIRE JOHNNY ACE!! FIRE MICHEAL COLE!! That is all.
Thank for reading this lengthy blog. Comment below on what you agree with or disagree with. Share with other wrestling fans.
~Daniel Richerson
First Impression: Job Corps (Hi, I'm back)
Oofa! Has it really been 2 months since I’ve done the blogging? My fault y’all. I’m going to get back to doing these things on the regular. I did do a blog on wrestling yesterday, but I didn’t post it on here. Here’s the link if you want to read that one: http://bit.ly/ajyOJI
So before I share what’s been going on, let me give a brief history that some of my new readers might not know, and some of my old readers might not remember. I did go to college. I went to college, chose a major that I wasn’t interested in, and some semesters after, I quit. The smart thing would’ve been is to change the major to something that was suitable to enhancing the skills I already had, but I did just the opposite.
Fast forward!! Job corps. As some of you know, I recently went to a meeting to maybe join it. Before the meeting I was hyped up because I was thinking it was going to be awesome. I was going to travel out of state and get some training. I was going to meet some new friends. I was going to possibly meet some of you that I’ve talked to for years online. I was going enhance my skills or find a skill that I’m interested in learning and get a job in that skill and live my life until I die!! I had everybody congratulating me in advance. “Oh, Daniel I have a good feeling about this one!” “Go, Daniel, go!!” *ting*
Ever had a dream or a vision of how something is going to be and then in reality it’s not anything like the dream or vision? Here’s my reality.
So I go up to the place where the meeting was at dressed in slacks and a nice shirt. I had all the stuff I thought I needed in a nice yellow folder thinking how impressed are they going to be, and I walk in! Then I see a young guy around 16-17 wearing a hat, jeans full of holes and a t-shirt with his mom. I see another guy with jeans, and boots on. I sit beside a guy in the waiting room with a long sleeve red shirt on and sneakers. So already I was feeling like I missed a memo. Then I heard that I needed something that I didn’t know I needed. So I walk in with all my stuff in a nice folder, and the fact is I don’t have everything and I’m over dressed. The meeting gets started and it’s like a round table meeting. Basically all who was applying sat a table with the speaker at the head of it. A business meeting like atmosphere. First we watch a video. I’m watching this video and I’m like, hold up! Am I joining a college? They’re talking about staying in dorms with roommates and eating on campus and all that. For up to two years. Remember I didn’t last in college, and that was for a TWO YEAR DEGREE. This is already not looking good. My dream and expectation looked nothing like this.
After the video, the lady running it, starts explaining more about what Job Corps is. She then says that if we don’t say anything and/or ask a question she’s not giving us an application. Okie Dokie. So I don’t say anything the whole time. I can feel some of you right now gasping and saying, “Daniel!” My response, “Ye shall know the truth…” The reason I don’t say anything for one, again, it’s nothing like I expected. Hard work? I expected that. Don’t get me wrong, I was not expecting this to be a cat walk. Another reason I don’t say anything is because I’m listening to all of the other people, and most of them have dropped out of high school. I’m not going to talk bad about them dropping out of high school, so just relax folks. The fact was, I got my high school diploma. I was clean as far as crime goes. I’ve never done drugs. I’ve thought about it, but never did it. I literally felt like I was in a rehab center.
So later on in the meeting, the lady looked at me and said and I quote, “Ask me something.” I didn’t know what to say so I sat and pondered. I didn’t have a question. I didn’t have a statement ready because again none of this was expected. I didn’t know I was in a meeting for basic training, which is what it felt like to me. I didn’t say anything, so she asked me, “Why are you here?” I told her the truth that I’m 23 years old, I don’t want to depend on my parents anymore…blah blah blah. She told me the truth that I looked like a grown man. I don’t know what gave it away; maybe it was the mustache and the beard. Smart woman this one was, but I digress. She told me that if I go through with this, I’d have to go all the way, which I knew and thought I was ready to do.
Anyway, we then get some handouts. Before I go there, we get told what Job Centers are opening. Now, I wanted OUT of familiarity. One center was outside of Ashville, NC. The other center was outside of Orangeburg, SC. Both are 2 ½ hours away. Yikes. Again, not what I expected. Maybe I should stop thinking to much into stuff before actually seeing what it is so I won’t be turned down. Back to the handouts. We get the handouts, and first thing I hear about is Polo shirts and kakis. So now I’m joining a private school. I didn’t say that out loud, but that’s what I was thinking. I don’t mind the khakis but I hate polo shirts with a PASSION. Here’s the allowance: $25 bi-weekly. I get more than that now. Again, not sounding like the dream I was hoping for. Not sounding like what I was praying for. This is sounding like the Army without the exercise and weapons.
I know I know. “Daniel, stop complaining! This is all going to lead to something!” I feel you. I’m with you. Now we get to what I thought would’ve brought me back into accepting to going into this. The occupations offered. Uh…what do I do here? I’m not interested in any of this. “Daniel this is a great opportunity. You have nothing going on. You have no room to complain.” I feel you. I’m with you. You’re right. 100%. Yesterday, I go on the Job Corps website to see if I find something on there that I might be interested in. Uh…
Now I’m stuck. I don’t know what to do. Oh, btw, I forgot to mention that back in college when I chose my major, my mom played a major part. Mom suggested Job Corps to me. I’m not throwing my mom under the bus. For one I love my mom, and I wouldn’t do that to her. She’s just trying to help. Me having nothing going on, I took a shot because it was something.
Back to the meeting, so we get to the point where we fill out the actual application. I haven’t had to write that much cursive since Elementary School. I signed my name so many times. Good Lord! So it came to a point where I had to choose 3 occupations. Remember, I’m not interested in none of this. I have no desire to pursue any of this. So I chose something I might be able to make a go at. Something I’m not that interested in. Remind you of anything? Yeah, this has potential to be a bust!
I know this all sounds like I’m ungrateful. I’m not, ok? I’m not ungrateful. I know and understand that at this point of my life I need to do something. I am 23 years old. I can’t depend on my Mom anymore. I got to come up with something on my own. On the real, I just want God’s will to be done, and if I got to join the Job Corps so be it. I just know, my heart won’t be in it.
Another thing on the meeting, we were told people can’t be trusted. Be careful what you bring, what you put in your locker because people will steal. Turns out there’s a big lesbian epidemic going on at one of the centers. It seems like one cluster after another. Again, I know it seems like I’m ungrateful and complaining. The question comes up, “Ok, Daniel, not this. Then what? Because you got to do something.” Want the honest answer. I don’t know. I do not know. There it is the truth.
I would love to get paid doing something like this. Blogging. Sharing my thoughts like this. I would love one day to write a novel and have it on top of the best seller list. I would love to one day do something musically, weather its sing and/or play drums. I would love an opportunity to work backstage for a wrestling company because I feel I have a great mind for it. A lot of stuff I would love to do. I would love to do a show on stage. Maybe do a stage play. I’m crazy. I don’t have any sense what so ever, and most of y’all know that. I say all that to let y’all know, I have dreams. I have stuff I want to do. And I think it’s good that I just admitted that stuff on here because it lets me know that I am capable of doing something. I have to ask God forgiveness for lying at the Job Corps meeting because I said that I don’t know what I want to do career wise. After all that stuff I just mentioned, it turns out I have a pretty good idea, huh?
I know this is lengthy but again it has been 2 months, so I just wanted to remind some of you and introduce some of you to what I do and what I can do. I was contemplating on rather to post this or not but it’s going up. Obviously you know that because you’re reading it. People are going to take this either way they want to. I can’t control how people feel. People have always either loved or hated my blogs. I’ve got chastised and praised on the same blog. So that comes with the territory.
Continue to pray for me, and please share your thoughts and opinions. I know you got some. Thanks for reading.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
So before I share what’s been going on, let me give a brief history that some of my new readers might not know, and some of my old readers might not remember. I did go to college. I went to college, chose a major that I wasn’t interested in, and some semesters after, I quit. The smart thing would’ve been is to change the major to something that was suitable to enhancing the skills I already had, but I did just the opposite.
Fast forward!! Job corps. As some of you know, I recently went to a meeting to maybe join it. Before the meeting I was hyped up because I was thinking it was going to be awesome. I was going to travel out of state and get some training. I was going to meet some new friends. I was going to possibly meet some of you that I’ve talked to for years online. I was going enhance my skills or find a skill that I’m interested in learning and get a job in that skill and live my life until I die!! I had everybody congratulating me in advance. “Oh, Daniel I have a good feeling about this one!” “Go, Daniel, go!!” *ting*
Ever had a dream or a vision of how something is going to be and then in reality it’s not anything like the dream or vision? Here’s my reality.
So I go up to the place where the meeting was at dressed in slacks and a nice shirt. I had all the stuff I thought I needed in a nice yellow folder thinking how impressed are they going to be, and I walk in! Then I see a young guy around 16-17 wearing a hat, jeans full of holes and a t-shirt with his mom. I see another guy with jeans, and boots on. I sit beside a guy in the waiting room with a long sleeve red shirt on and sneakers. So already I was feeling like I missed a memo. Then I heard that I needed something that I didn’t know I needed. So I walk in with all my stuff in a nice folder, and the fact is I don’t have everything and I’m over dressed. The meeting gets started and it’s like a round table meeting. Basically all who was applying sat a table with the speaker at the head of it. A business meeting like atmosphere. First we watch a video. I’m watching this video and I’m like, hold up! Am I joining a college? They’re talking about staying in dorms with roommates and eating on campus and all that. For up to two years. Remember I didn’t last in college, and that was for a TWO YEAR DEGREE. This is already not looking good. My dream and expectation looked nothing like this.
After the video, the lady running it, starts explaining more about what Job Corps is. She then says that if we don’t say anything and/or ask a question she’s not giving us an application. Okie Dokie. So I don’t say anything the whole time. I can feel some of you right now gasping and saying, “Daniel!” My response, “Ye shall know the truth…” The reason I don’t say anything for one, again, it’s nothing like I expected. Hard work? I expected that. Don’t get me wrong, I was not expecting this to be a cat walk. Another reason I don’t say anything is because I’m listening to all of the other people, and most of them have dropped out of high school. I’m not going to talk bad about them dropping out of high school, so just relax folks. The fact was, I got my high school diploma. I was clean as far as crime goes. I’ve never done drugs. I’ve thought about it, but never did it. I literally felt like I was in a rehab center.
So later on in the meeting, the lady looked at me and said and I quote, “Ask me something.” I didn’t know what to say so I sat and pondered. I didn’t have a question. I didn’t have a statement ready because again none of this was expected. I didn’t know I was in a meeting for basic training, which is what it felt like to me. I didn’t say anything, so she asked me, “Why are you here?” I told her the truth that I’m 23 years old, I don’t want to depend on my parents anymore…blah blah blah. She told me the truth that I looked like a grown man. I don’t know what gave it away; maybe it was the mustache and the beard. Smart woman this one was, but I digress. She told me that if I go through with this, I’d have to go all the way, which I knew and thought I was ready to do.
Anyway, we then get some handouts. Before I go there, we get told what Job Centers are opening. Now, I wanted OUT of familiarity. One center was outside of Ashville, NC. The other center was outside of Orangeburg, SC. Both are 2 ½ hours away. Yikes. Again, not what I expected. Maybe I should stop thinking to much into stuff before actually seeing what it is so I won’t be turned down. Back to the handouts. We get the handouts, and first thing I hear about is Polo shirts and kakis. So now I’m joining a private school. I didn’t say that out loud, but that’s what I was thinking. I don’t mind the khakis but I hate polo shirts with a PASSION. Here’s the allowance: $25 bi-weekly. I get more than that now. Again, not sounding like the dream I was hoping for. Not sounding like what I was praying for. This is sounding like the Army without the exercise and weapons.
I know I know. “Daniel, stop complaining! This is all going to lead to something!” I feel you. I’m with you. Now we get to what I thought would’ve brought me back into accepting to going into this. The occupations offered. Uh…what do I do here? I’m not interested in any of this. “Daniel this is a great opportunity. You have nothing going on. You have no room to complain.” I feel you. I’m with you. You’re right. 100%. Yesterday, I go on the Job Corps website to see if I find something on there that I might be interested in. Uh…
Now I’m stuck. I don’t know what to do. Oh, btw, I forgot to mention that back in college when I chose my major, my mom played a major part. Mom suggested Job Corps to me. I’m not throwing my mom under the bus. For one I love my mom, and I wouldn’t do that to her. She’s just trying to help. Me having nothing going on, I took a shot because it was something.
Back to the meeting, so we get to the point where we fill out the actual application. I haven’t had to write that much cursive since Elementary School. I signed my name so many times. Good Lord! So it came to a point where I had to choose 3 occupations. Remember, I’m not interested in none of this. I have no desire to pursue any of this. So I chose something I might be able to make a go at. Something I’m not that interested in. Remind you of anything? Yeah, this has potential to be a bust!
I know this all sounds like I’m ungrateful. I’m not, ok? I’m not ungrateful. I know and understand that at this point of my life I need to do something. I am 23 years old. I can’t depend on my Mom anymore. I got to come up with something on my own. On the real, I just want God’s will to be done, and if I got to join the Job Corps so be it. I just know, my heart won’t be in it.
Another thing on the meeting, we were told people can’t be trusted. Be careful what you bring, what you put in your locker because people will steal. Turns out there’s a big lesbian epidemic going on at one of the centers. It seems like one cluster after another. Again, I know it seems like I’m ungrateful and complaining. The question comes up, “Ok, Daniel, not this. Then what? Because you got to do something.” Want the honest answer. I don’t know. I do not know. There it is the truth.
I would love to get paid doing something like this. Blogging. Sharing my thoughts like this. I would love one day to write a novel and have it on top of the best seller list. I would love to one day do something musically, weather its sing and/or play drums. I would love an opportunity to work backstage for a wrestling company because I feel I have a great mind for it. A lot of stuff I would love to do. I would love to do a show on stage. Maybe do a stage play. I’m crazy. I don’t have any sense what so ever, and most of y’all know that. I say all that to let y’all know, I have dreams. I have stuff I want to do. And I think it’s good that I just admitted that stuff on here because it lets me know that I am capable of doing something. I have to ask God forgiveness for lying at the Job Corps meeting because I said that I don’t know what I want to do career wise. After all that stuff I just mentioned, it turns out I have a pretty good idea, huh?
I know this is lengthy but again it has been 2 months, so I just wanted to remind some of you and introduce some of you to what I do and what I can do. I was contemplating on rather to post this or not but it’s going up. Obviously you know that because you’re reading it. People are going to take this either way they want to. I can’t control how people feel. People have always either loved or hated my blogs. I’ve got chastised and praised on the same blog. So that comes with the territory.
Continue to pray for me, and please share your thoughts and opinions. I know you got some. Thanks for reading.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Monday, August 16, 2010
OH, is THAT what they're saying?
Yesterday at church, the youth minister preached to the young people that are going back to school. He did an awesome job. Minister Wilson, if you’re reading this, it was great. Anyway, in his message he mentions some of the new generation songs and one of the songs I believe was called “Bedrock.” He shared the lyrics and something got to me. I realize the older I get, the more I understand lyrics. I’m a 90’s kid through and through, and I make no apologies for it. I grew up in the boy-band era. We had Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, 98 Degrees, Hanson, etc. Of course there was hip-hop, but I really didn’t get into that until like 6th grade. By that time it was No Limit, Cash Money…
Ok, let me get to the point. The major point of this blog is that you never know what the lyrics of a song actually mean sometimes unless you’ve been there or you’re intelligent enough to understand. Of course you can be intelligent enough but still lack the experience. Like that old song by Brandy called, “Have You Ever.” I always thought it was a pretty song. Nicely put together. Although I never truly understood the lyrics until I literally couldn’t sleep at night because I was in love, or until I literally tried to find the words but they didn’t come out right. Or that old song by the now defunct N’Sync called, “I Drive Myself Crazy.” Again, I liked that song. Yes I liked some of stuff boy-bands put out…sue me. Anyway, I knew the lyrics, word for word, but it wasn’t until that I drove myself crazy loving a girl the way that I did, or I lay awake at night driving myself crazy thinking of a girl.
Ok, let’s take it to church. “I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell. Anybody would say that’s an awesome worship song mainly because people go into God’s presence after hearing it and/or singing it. It’s not until you literally give yourself away, you forget about everything going on in your life, you give all of that up just let God use you that those lyrics mean something. How about this song that says, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all he has done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah, thank God for saving me.” You know somebody uses that line everyday. Some use it because it’s cliché. Other’s actually think of the goodness of Jesus, and all that He’s done in his or her life, and literally feels a joy inside of them that makes praise comes out their soul.
Sticking with church for a little bit more, this is exactly why it’s good to study the lyrics of songs your sing. No choir should ever sing a song just because it’s hot. A popular song says, “My heart is fixed, my mind’s made up. No room no vacancies, I’m all filled up.” Those words can’t have power when you’re living any kind of way. Live what you’re singing about. That’s a must. “Daniel, you got to live what you’re blogging about.” Yep, you’re right, and I’ll admit right here and now that I haven’t been doing a good job of that lately. I ask for your prayers.
As you comment, name some songs that you didn’t quite get at first until you lived it. Secular and/or church. Thanks for reading.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Ok, let me get to the point. The major point of this blog is that you never know what the lyrics of a song actually mean sometimes unless you’ve been there or you’re intelligent enough to understand. Of course you can be intelligent enough but still lack the experience. Like that old song by Brandy called, “Have You Ever.” I always thought it was a pretty song. Nicely put together. Although I never truly understood the lyrics until I literally couldn’t sleep at night because I was in love, or until I literally tried to find the words but they didn’t come out right. Or that old song by the now defunct N’Sync called, “I Drive Myself Crazy.” Again, I liked that song. Yes I liked some of stuff boy-bands put out…sue me. Anyway, I knew the lyrics, word for word, but it wasn’t until that I drove myself crazy loving a girl the way that I did, or I lay awake at night driving myself crazy thinking of a girl.
Ok, let’s take it to church. “I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell. Anybody would say that’s an awesome worship song mainly because people go into God’s presence after hearing it and/or singing it. It’s not until you literally give yourself away, you forget about everything going on in your life, you give all of that up just let God use you that those lyrics mean something. How about this song that says, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all he has done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah, thank God for saving me.” You know somebody uses that line everyday. Some use it because it’s cliché. Other’s actually think of the goodness of Jesus, and all that He’s done in his or her life, and literally feels a joy inside of them that makes praise comes out their soul.
Sticking with church for a little bit more, this is exactly why it’s good to study the lyrics of songs your sing. No choir should ever sing a song just because it’s hot. A popular song says, “My heart is fixed, my mind’s made up. No room no vacancies, I’m all filled up.” Those words can’t have power when you’re living any kind of way. Live what you’re singing about. That’s a must. “Daniel, you got to live what you’re blogging about.” Yep, you’re right, and I’ll admit right here and now that I haven’t been doing a good job of that lately. I ask for your prayers.
As you comment, name some songs that you didn’t quite get at first until you lived it. Secular and/or church. Thanks for reading.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Who got your back? (originally written 6/13/10)
So this past Thursday, I reunited with an old friend that I’ve known since the 3rd grade. This friend bought up another friend of both of ours that back in the day was my manager. To make a long story short about the manager thing, I wrote stories back then and he appointed himself to be my manager. That’s how I’m going to label him in this blog. My old manager.
Back in the day, I guess starting in like the 7th or 8th grade, my manager knew that I liked this girl. He knew that I wrote notes to girls but never gave them out. The main thing I remember my manager saying to me was, “Man, just give it to her!” Of course that didn’t happen. I remember he wrote a note for me to give to a girl, and I still didn’t do it. Sad ain’t it? I didn’t even write the note from me, and I still couldn’t give it away. Anyway, I thought about that because thinking about myself now, I really haven’t changed when it comes to that stuff. I don’t write notes anymore, but when I have the opportunity to open my mouth and say something to the opposite sex, I don’t. Can you imagine where I would be if I would’ve opened my mouth?
What am I saying? Some of the things we don’t have are due to the fact we didn’t open our mouths when we had the chance. We hear it all the time. When praises go up, blessings come down. When praises go up, healing comes down. And so forth and so on. There’s also something we hear all the time that says, “And his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” What I see there is in order for praise to be in your mouth, something has to be spoken. Don’t get me wrong, I know clapping your hands is a form of praise, but some of us live and die by the clapping of our hands and not ever opening your mouth. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.
My old manager would tell me when I didn’t have the guts to give a girl a note, “Man, just give it to her.” In other words, put some action on your faith boy. Faith without works is dead. What my manager was teaching me was that in order for the note to do the purpose it was written to do, I had let go of all fear, gain confidence and put action on it and give the note away. Some of us lost all faith because of fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of what other people think. Also because of fear, we lose confidence. Deuteronomy 31:6b says in the CEV (Contemporary English Version), “The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.” Now my manager was a big dude, and I imagine if anything would’ve happened to me while giving away the note, I’m sure he’d have my back. It doesn’t come any bigger than God. With God on your side, there’s no need to lose confidence. In Deuteronomy 31:8, again in the CEV, Moses told Joshua, “The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don’t ever be afraid of your enemies.”
Last Sunday from when I’m currently typing this, I led a song at church called God Is. It’s based from Psalm 73:21-26. One part of the song says, “God is the joy and the strength of my life. He moves all pain, misery, and strife. He promised to keep me. Never to leave me. Never ever fall short of his word!” Nuff said.
Philippians 4:13, “Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Of course, I didn’t know better back then. I knew the verse, but I didn’t know that we were supposed to apply that. Plus I wasn’t saved then, but either way.
Basically what I’m saying through this blog is that the things we go through in our lives are not for our health. It’s to not only draw us closer to God, but I feel that also it’s to teach us something. Yes I understand the past is behind us. When God steps in your life, your past goes away. The Bible says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” With all that said, your past is your testimony, and like I said, you didn’t go through your past for nothing. You can help people that are going through the same thing you went through.
Anyway thanks for reading. Comment, share with your friends!
Stay saved.
~Daniel Richerson
Back in the day, I guess starting in like the 7th or 8th grade, my manager knew that I liked this girl. He knew that I wrote notes to girls but never gave them out. The main thing I remember my manager saying to me was, “Man, just give it to her!” Of course that didn’t happen. I remember he wrote a note for me to give to a girl, and I still didn’t do it. Sad ain’t it? I didn’t even write the note from me, and I still couldn’t give it away. Anyway, I thought about that because thinking about myself now, I really haven’t changed when it comes to that stuff. I don’t write notes anymore, but when I have the opportunity to open my mouth and say something to the opposite sex, I don’t. Can you imagine where I would be if I would’ve opened my mouth?
What am I saying? Some of the things we don’t have are due to the fact we didn’t open our mouths when we had the chance. We hear it all the time. When praises go up, blessings come down. When praises go up, healing comes down. And so forth and so on. There’s also something we hear all the time that says, “And his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” What I see there is in order for praise to be in your mouth, something has to be spoken. Don’t get me wrong, I know clapping your hands is a form of praise, but some of us live and die by the clapping of our hands and not ever opening your mouth. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.
My old manager would tell me when I didn’t have the guts to give a girl a note, “Man, just give it to her.” In other words, put some action on your faith boy. Faith without works is dead. What my manager was teaching me was that in order for the note to do the purpose it was written to do, I had let go of all fear, gain confidence and put action on it and give the note away. Some of us lost all faith because of fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of what other people think. Also because of fear, we lose confidence. Deuteronomy 31:6b says in the CEV (Contemporary English Version), “The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.” Now my manager was a big dude, and I imagine if anything would’ve happened to me while giving away the note, I’m sure he’d have my back. It doesn’t come any bigger than God. With God on your side, there’s no need to lose confidence. In Deuteronomy 31:8, again in the CEV, Moses told Joshua, “The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don’t ever be afraid of your enemies.”
Last Sunday from when I’m currently typing this, I led a song at church called God Is. It’s based from Psalm 73:21-26. One part of the song says, “God is the joy and the strength of my life. He moves all pain, misery, and strife. He promised to keep me. Never to leave me. Never ever fall short of his word!” Nuff said.
Philippians 4:13, “Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Of course, I didn’t know better back then. I knew the verse, but I didn’t know that we were supposed to apply that. Plus I wasn’t saved then, but either way.
Basically what I’m saying through this blog is that the things we go through in our lives are not for our health. It’s to not only draw us closer to God, but I feel that also it’s to teach us something. Yes I understand the past is behind us. When God steps in your life, your past goes away. The Bible says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” With all that said, your past is your testimony, and like I said, you didn’t go through your past for nothing. You can help people that are going through the same thing you went through.
Anyway thanks for reading. Comment, share with your friends!
Stay saved.
~Daniel Richerson
Saturday, June 12, 2010
I miss...(originally typed 5/31/10)
It’s going on two weeks since I’ve back home. What’s real sad is that it feels no different from when I left. I feel like I took a step back from going forward. I’ve heard the saying that says, “Sometimes you have to go back to go forward.” Well I feel like I’ve step back so far, the process forward looks to be no where in site. Don’t get me wrong, I’m trying to stay positive, but right now I’m just keeping it real. No pun intended.
One thing I miss is the fellowship. Having fellowship with church family and not being about church. It was just about getting together and talking. Church came up in conversation, but that wasn’t the intent. I think that’s what missing in some churches. There’s no fellowship outside the church. I’m not downing the fact that we all hug, kiss, shake hands after church service to put on the front that we all know each other and get along. I know the act. I’ve been in the game for 23 years now. I’m not going to say I’ve seen it all, but I’ve seen enough. The church is not the building. The church is the people. The building is just a facility used a holding place for the gathering of the people. Ok, now the Bible says, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to gather together in unity.” Just because you’re in a clique doesn’t mean you have unity. I understand that there’s no perfect church. As my mom always says, “If you find a perfect church, leave.” Every church has its fault. I’m just saying that there’s nothing wrong with talking to and fellowshipping with each other outside the church sometimes. Going out to eat, and not just eating together after a church service. Now I know that you can’t eat out with everybody at church because well, people can and do work your last nerve. Yes I said it, and you know it’s true. I know we don’t want to admit it because it’s a church and everybody gets along! The devil is lie! Please tell the truth, shame the devil. So let’s get that out the way. You’re not going to be friends with everybody, but I’m going to say this, you should be able to find somebody who you can eat and fellowship with. I hope my point is getting across. Not trying to call out a particular church, I’m just saying what I miss, that’s all. Like I told someone who accused me of talking about her through Twitter, “If you don’t call yourself out, nobody will know.”
Before I go on let me say that on the subject on fellowship that’s something I personally got to work on. Time and time again I was at gatherings, and I wasn’t the most sociable person. I stayed in front of a computer most of time and played music that nobody really listened to anyway. I made it hard on myself. Nobody made it hard for me. People invited me to a part of the conversation, and I passed. Why? The question tonight is why? I’ll tell you why. I labeled myself as a loner some time ago. Once I put that label on me, I made it hard on myself to open up at gatherings. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Be careful what you and what you let others label you as. Just saying.
Now, I will say that I miss some people in the two weeks I’ve been away from the mid-west. Amazing that in the almost 6 months I was there, I met some people that made me feel comfortable and wanted more than I’ve ever felt in the almost 20 years I spent…anyway. To those people reading, you know who you are. Thanks for making me feel like I was somebody again. Thanks for making it easy for me to be myself and not forcing a persona just to be accepted. Thanks for showing love. Didn’t say it much, but showing was enough for me.
All right. Thanks for reading. It’s probably a little dated, but I doubt my opinion will change by the time this gets posted. Remember to share your comments and share with your people.
Stay Saved.
Daniel Richerson
One thing I miss is the fellowship. Having fellowship with church family and not being about church. It was just about getting together and talking. Church came up in conversation, but that wasn’t the intent. I think that’s what missing in some churches. There’s no fellowship outside the church. I’m not downing the fact that we all hug, kiss, shake hands after church service to put on the front that we all know each other and get along. I know the act. I’ve been in the game for 23 years now. I’m not going to say I’ve seen it all, but I’ve seen enough. The church is not the building. The church is the people. The building is just a facility used a holding place for the gathering of the people. Ok, now the Bible says, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to gather together in unity.” Just because you’re in a clique doesn’t mean you have unity. I understand that there’s no perfect church. As my mom always says, “If you find a perfect church, leave.” Every church has its fault. I’m just saying that there’s nothing wrong with talking to and fellowshipping with each other outside the church sometimes. Going out to eat, and not just eating together after a church service. Now I know that you can’t eat out with everybody at church because well, people can and do work your last nerve. Yes I said it, and you know it’s true. I know we don’t want to admit it because it’s a church and everybody gets along! The devil is lie! Please tell the truth, shame the devil. So let’s get that out the way. You’re not going to be friends with everybody, but I’m going to say this, you should be able to find somebody who you can eat and fellowship with. I hope my point is getting across. Not trying to call out a particular church, I’m just saying what I miss, that’s all. Like I told someone who accused me of talking about her through Twitter, “If you don’t call yourself out, nobody will know.”
Before I go on let me say that on the subject on fellowship that’s something I personally got to work on. Time and time again I was at gatherings, and I wasn’t the most sociable person. I stayed in front of a computer most of time and played music that nobody really listened to anyway. I made it hard on myself. Nobody made it hard for me. People invited me to a part of the conversation, and I passed. Why? The question tonight is why? I’ll tell you why. I labeled myself as a loner some time ago. Once I put that label on me, I made it hard on myself to open up at gatherings. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Be careful what you and what you let others label you as. Just saying.
Now, I will say that I miss some people in the two weeks I’ve been away from the mid-west. Amazing that in the almost 6 months I was there, I met some people that made me feel comfortable and wanted more than I’ve ever felt in the almost 20 years I spent…anyway. To those people reading, you know who you are. Thanks for making me feel like I was somebody again. Thanks for making it easy for me to be myself and not forcing a persona just to be accepted. Thanks for showing love. Didn’t say it much, but showing was enough for me.
All right. Thanks for reading. It’s probably a little dated, but I doubt my opinion will change by the time this gets posted. Remember to share your comments and share with your people.
Stay Saved.
Daniel Richerson
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Last Blog from the 618...
Well they say all things must come to an end. And in a few hours, I'll officially be heading back to the 864. Again I repeat this is not how I wanted to end up at first. At first the plan was to move up here, get a job, and probably get settled. But it didn't work out that way. Without going into details, I no longer look at this move as a bad thing. I don't. When I first head that I was going back, I was depressed. That's the bottom line. Now, I'm looking forward to what's in store back in SC.
I look back on my time up here as a learning experience. I once said that my move up here was a waste of time, but it wasn't completely. I learned a lot up here. I met people that I'll never forget. I met people that I hope will remain friends for a life-time. It wasn't all good. It wasn't all bad. I laughed. I cried. I was happy. I was sad. I'm going to take what I learned up here and apply it back in the 864.
A lot has changed in the almost 6 months I've been up here. When I moved up here, I was ready for a change, and in a way, that's happened. So this is it. Goodbye 618, hello 864.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
I look back on my time up here as a learning experience. I once said that my move up here was a waste of time, but it wasn't completely. I learned a lot up here. I met people that I'll never forget. I met people that I hope will remain friends for a life-time. It wasn't all good. It wasn't all bad. I laughed. I cried. I was happy. I was sad. I'm going to take what I learned up here and apply it back in the 864.
A lot has changed in the almost 6 months I've been up here. When I moved up here, I was ready for a change, and in a way, that's happened. So this is it. Goodbye 618, hello 864.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Where are you going?
This thought came to me while I was sitting in a Y.P.W.W. session at church tonight. "Can't go somewhere without knowing where you're going." Then the preacher later that night said, "You can't go somewhere unless you know who you are." Now they're plenty of ways I can go with this, but to stay out of trouble, I'm going to talk about me. You've read the blogs, the tweets, and the statuses. You've watched the videos. I'm heading back to South Carolina. I was not to happy about that because in my mind I wanted to stay here in Collinsville, IL. Then I got the offer to go to Kentucky and weigh out my options there. So it's safe to say I'm a confused brotha.
So here's the deal. We as people sometimes base the decision to move somewhere based on the people. If you're at a place where the people work your nerves, you're ready to go. You don't have to pray about it or fast about it. You made up in your mind that a move is the best thing for you. So you move. For the first couple of weeks or months, you're having the time of your life. Things are going great. Doing stuff you didn't do, or didn't have the chance to do at the prior place. You become attracted to females and feel like you've found the one. Keepin It Real here. Then all of the sudden the masks come off so to speak. The true colors come out. You realize that you are as a annoyed as you have ever been in your life. Has that happened to anybody?
Now, the question comes, should we let people dictate our location? Because lets face it, not everyone you run into in your life is bad. Contrary to belief they're are still good people in this world. I mean I know, oh, 3 at the most. I hope y'all get where I'm going. I can't figure out where I want to go. I can't figure out where I want to end up. I think I've made up my mind, and then a couple of instances here and there and I've changed my mind. I do know I need a job. I do know I need to get something going. Don't get me wrong. I love these blogs. I love the podcasts. I love the videos. But as of now, I'm not going paid to do those. Somebody asked me if I had a website and I got paid for the hits. I said not yet, and then I got a please!
What are your thoughts? Have you or do you know anybody in this situation? Leave your comments.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
So here's the deal. We as people sometimes base the decision to move somewhere based on the people. If you're at a place where the people work your nerves, you're ready to go. You don't have to pray about it or fast about it. You made up in your mind that a move is the best thing for you. So you move. For the first couple of weeks or months, you're having the time of your life. Things are going great. Doing stuff you didn't do, or didn't have the chance to do at the prior place. You become attracted to females and feel like you've found the one. Keepin It Real here. Then all of the sudden the masks come off so to speak. The true colors come out. You realize that you are as a annoyed as you have ever been in your life. Has that happened to anybody?
Now, the question comes, should we let people dictate our location? Because lets face it, not everyone you run into in your life is bad. Contrary to belief they're are still good people in this world. I mean I know, oh, 3 at the most. I hope y'all get where I'm going. I can't figure out where I want to go. I can't figure out where I want to end up. I think I've made up my mind, and then a couple of instances here and there and I've changed my mind. I do know I need a job. I do know I need to get something going. Don't get me wrong. I love these blogs. I love the podcasts. I love the videos. But as of now, I'm not going paid to do those. Somebody asked me if I had a website and I got paid for the hits. I said not yet, and then I got a please!
What are your thoughts? Have you or do you know anybody in this situation? Leave your comments.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I'm still laughing...HAHA!!
Well, folks. I watched a couple of videos debating Kirk Franklin's appearance in the Monique Show about a month ago. One guy got offended that Kirk Franklin was laughing at Monique's jokes which happened to have some cussing in it. Ok, so you're judging a man laughing at something that's funny to him? So am I wrong for laughing at Dave Chappelle? Dave is one of the vulgar dudes out there, and yet I consider him one of my favorite comedians. Family Guy. I love Family Guy. Do they go to far with the Jesus jokes? Yeah they do, but I'd be lying to say that when I'm watching the show and I hear or see something funny, I'm not laughing. Look, if you're like me, funny is funny. I see something funny, I'm going to laugh. Weather it's a joke with a punchline, or if I see somebody slip going up or down the stairs. Now, can I be honest with you people? Most of the so called "clean-Christian" comedians and tv shows are corny. Yes I said it. Some of those shows are dry and corny. I know what some of you are saying. Ephesians 4:29 "Stop all dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say." Trust me, I understand. That happens to be one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Now do I think Monique is funny? HECK NAH! I've always thought, and I still do, that Monique is corny. She's never been funny to me. Now like I said before, I like Dave Chappelle. When it comes to vulgarity, Monique and Dave are right there at the same page. So I can't judge Kirk for laughing at Monique. Kirk and I got something in common. We both love music, and we both are clowns. So Kirk laughing at Monique is not surprising. Who am I to say what Kirk is supposed to laugh at? Some of us need to laugh.
Now another thing that people are tripping off of is the fact that Kirk is "conforming." Because Kirk went on a show like the Monique show and laughing at her "vulgar" jokes, he's conforming. Ok. Oh btw, Marvin Sapp was on Good Morning America, and Fred Hammond was on the View. I guess they were conforming too. This guy got on Kirk saying that he was on the Monique show just to sell his CD. Are you faulting the man for that? Yes, Gospel music is a ministry first. But it's still a business. The man gotz to get paid, sir. I know I know, "It's not about money, It's not about fame..." Yes, I like that song, too. But you cannot tell me that if you were in Kirk's shoes, you wouldn't take the opportunity and present your music to the world by going on a "secular" show like the Monique that gets millions of viewers for a chance to sell music. Don't sit there and lie with your religious self. Please don't get me wrong. Romans 12:2 "Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him."
Now I agree with one lady who said that today's Gospel Artist need to get more serious with the Gospel part of the music. I agree whole heartedly. But I'm not going to question ones faith for going on a show and laughing at the jokes. Yes cussing is wrong, but that's what Monique does. That's what Jay Leno, David Letterman, and all them do. Cuss. Yet you've seen the Clark Sister's, Kirk Franklin, and others perform on those type of shows. Now let me throw this in, just because it doesn't reach you doesn't mean it's not reaching people. Stop trying to base facts on how you feel. Me personally, I cannot stand "God In Me" by Mary Mary. I think it's garbage. Now just because it didn't reach me, doesn't mean it didn't reach you.
What am I saying? Just because you can't watch shows like Family Guy and laugh, and I can, doesn't mean you're more saved than I am. We're not all going to like the same music, tv shows, etc. I know some church folk that can't stand Tyler Perry. Yet, I know some church folk that love Tyler Perry. Tyler cusses. He does. But for me to criticize him for cussing, something I used to do a lot, would be foolish. Me to judge his salvation would put me out of place. Tomorrow night as a matter of fact, Mom and I are going to see his latest play, "Madea's Big Happy Family." I'm expecting a great time. Am I going to laugh at jokes that might have some cussing in it? If it's funny, yes I am. Sue me.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
P.S. Just an update from the blog, It's Over. I am going back to SC, but only for 3 weeks, then I'm going to spend some time in Kentucky. Where am I going to end up? I'm hoping it's back in Collinsville. But it's God's will, not mine. Continue to pray for me.
Now another thing that people are tripping off of is the fact that Kirk is "conforming." Because Kirk went on a show like the Monique show and laughing at her "vulgar" jokes, he's conforming. Ok. Oh btw, Marvin Sapp was on Good Morning America, and Fred Hammond was on the View. I guess they were conforming too. This guy got on Kirk saying that he was on the Monique show just to sell his CD. Are you faulting the man for that? Yes, Gospel music is a ministry first. But it's still a business. The man gotz to get paid, sir. I know I know, "It's not about money, It's not about fame..." Yes, I like that song, too. But you cannot tell me that if you were in Kirk's shoes, you wouldn't take the opportunity and present your music to the world by going on a "secular" show like the Monique that gets millions of viewers for a chance to sell music. Don't sit there and lie with your religious self. Please don't get me wrong. Romans 12:2 "Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him."
Now I agree with one lady who said that today's Gospel Artist need to get more serious with the Gospel part of the music. I agree whole heartedly. But I'm not going to question ones faith for going on a show and laughing at the jokes. Yes cussing is wrong, but that's what Monique does. That's what Jay Leno, David Letterman, and all them do. Cuss. Yet you've seen the Clark Sister's, Kirk Franklin, and others perform on those type of shows. Now let me throw this in, just because it doesn't reach you doesn't mean it's not reaching people. Stop trying to base facts on how you feel. Me personally, I cannot stand "God In Me" by Mary Mary. I think it's garbage. Now just because it didn't reach me, doesn't mean it didn't reach you.
What am I saying? Just because you can't watch shows like Family Guy and laugh, and I can, doesn't mean you're more saved than I am. We're not all going to like the same music, tv shows, etc. I know some church folk that can't stand Tyler Perry. Yet, I know some church folk that love Tyler Perry. Tyler cusses. He does. But for me to criticize him for cussing, something I used to do a lot, would be foolish. Me to judge his salvation would put me out of place. Tomorrow night as a matter of fact, Mom and I are going to see his latest play, "Madea's Big Happy Family." I'm expecting a great time. Am I going to laugh at jokes that might have some cussing in it? If it's funny, yes I am. Sue me.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
P.S. Just an update from the blog, It's Over. I am going back to SC, but only for 3 weeks, then I'm going to spend some time in Kentucky. Where am I going to end up? I'm hoping it's back in Collinsville. But it's God's will, not mine. Continue to pray for me.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
It's over...
Life as I know it now is done. All that talk about, I don't want to go back to SC. I'm enjoying myself up here. It's all become road kill. As a birthday present, I'm going back to South Carolina. See the reason I moved up here was to get a job and "start my life." In reality, I wrecked my life to the point where I went on a 5 month trip to Collinsville, IL. I've called this a dream. The problem with dreams is that you have to wake up. Come May, I'm waking up. No one to blame but me. I've had the time of my life up here. Met people I'll never forget. Had more fun at church than I've had in years. All that, and I forgot the reason I came up here. On second thought, I didn't forget, I was just looking for a hand out. Word to the kids reading this: Don't look for a handout. Trust me. Not a smart idea. I moved up here and even created an email and renamed my twitter ID with the area code of Collinsville. All that ONLY to not look for a job, not put forth an effort to look for a job...now i'm paying for it. Going back to a place where I will sit on my talent again. I will once again be in an atmosphere that's more depressing than...I will once again be in an atmosphere where I'll be comfortable doing nothing with my life. Why? Cause I didn't do what I was supposed to do the 5 months I was up here. All the laughs, all the conversations, and I didn't do the one thing I was asked to do when I moved up here. So, Ginger, Uncle's coming home.
~Daniel Richerson
~Daniel Richerson
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Big Dusty vs Daniel Richerson
I said I was going to blog and I am sirs and ma'ams. Here's the proof. See, what this is? A blog. Wonderful invention it is.
Now you've seen them all. Dondria vs Phaffatt. Magic vs Ervin. Beyonce vs Sasha. I'm sure there's more, where people have like a split personality. Not necessarily a spirit, I don't want to call it that, but more like a persona they put on to hide who they really are. I guess that is considered a spirit, but I'm not trying to make this like a demonic thing. Granted with some people it is demonic. (*coughs* Jay Z *coughs*)
So, Big Dusty vs Daniel Richerson. To me there is a difference. Now just to remind or tell y'all the simple story of how Dusty came to be. I was in the 7th grade sitting in Home Ed, and two boys out the blue started calling me, Dusty. The reason being is that they thought I looked like "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, who is a Hall of Fame professional wrestler from the 80's. So that's basically the origin of Dusty. Years went by, and more and more people started calling me Dusty, so I took it as my own and added the "Big" part to it. When it came time to pick online handles, Big Dusty usually always came to mind. It become it's own persona. Big Dusty was somebody Daniel Richerson could never be. Big Dusty had guts. Big Dusty said what was on his mind and wasn't afraid of the reaction. Daniel Richerson is still this shy kid looking for love and attention.
Through most of the day, 4/6/10, I didn't post a status. Why? Daniel Richerson was lacking attention and wanted it. Big Dusty don't care either way. He'll say just about anything just to say it and not look for a response. Daniel will say something and if the response is negative, hiss heart broken. Very easily at that. The question comes, is Big Dusty a spirit or a different persona I created for myself? A mask in other words. Who do people like better? Who do people love better?
As most of you know, I love pro wrestling. Through the good and the bad, I've watched most of the time. I've heard wrestling personality Eric Bischoff say something like this, "You got to live the character in the ring and out the ring for it to truly work." Question again. With all the deaths that's happened within the wrestling community, could part of the reason be that the character took over the true persona and the performer didn't know how to control it?
Big Dusty is just a character. Daniel Richerson is the person behind the mask. It's almost like the Sherman Klump/Buddy Love type of thing with me, except Big Dusty is not evil.
I use Skype, btw add me: danrich618 , and I posted this status before I went to bed last night. "On Twitter/Facebook, I'm Big Dusty. In real life I'm Daniel Richerson. Daniel Richerson needs some growing to do. Big Dusty is there already." This really was the origin of the day break I took and the origin for this blog.
I recently got a new nick name, Double X L. I don't know who he is yet. Hopefully he's a good guy. I've heard it said that if you're called something enough, you start to believe and become it. Be careful what you call somebody because somebody with low confidence will take it and run with it. The Bible says that the power of life and death lies on the tongue.
Continue to keep me in your prayers. I surely need it.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
Now you've seen them all. Dondria vs Phaffatt. Magic vs Ervin. Beyonce vs Sasha. I'm sure there's more, where people have like a split personality. Not necessarily a spirit, I don't want to call it that, but more like a persona they put on to hide who they really are. I guess that is considered a spirit, but I'm not trying to make this like a demonic thing. Granted with some people it is demonic. (*coughs* Jay Z *coughs*)
So, Big Dusty vs Daniel Richerson. To me there is a difference. Now just to remind or tell y'all the simple story of how Dusty came to be. I was in the 7th grade sitting in Home Ed, and two boys out the blue started calling me, Dusty. The reason being is that they thought I looked like "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, who is a Hall of Fame professional wrestler from the 80's. So that's basically the origin of Dusty. Years went by, and more and more people started calling me Dusty, so I took it as my own and added the "Big" part to it. When it came time to pick online handles, Big Dusty usually always came to mind. It become it's own persona. Big Dusty was somebody Daniel Richerson could never be. Big Dusty had guts. Big Dusty said what was on his mind and wasn't afraid of the reaction. Daniel Richerson is still this shy kid looking for love and attention.
Through most of the day, 4/6/10, I didn't post a status. Why? Daniel Richerson was lacking attention and wanted it. Big Dusty don't care either way. He'll say just about anything just to say it and not look for a response. Daniel will say something and if the response is negative, hiss heart broken. Very easily at that. The question comes, is Big Dusty a spirit or a different persona I created for myself? A mask in other words. Who do people like better? Who do people love better?
As most of you know, I love pro wrestling. Through the good and the bad, I've watched most of the time. I've heard wrestling personality Eric Bischoff say something like this, "You got to live the character in the ring and out the ring for it to truly work." Question again. With all the deaths that's happened within the wrestling community, could part of the reason be that the character took over the true persona and the performer didn't know how to control it?
Big Dusty is just a character. Daniel Richerson is the person behind the mask. It's almost like the Sherman Klump/Buddy Love type of thing with me, except Big Dusty is not evil.
I use Skype, btw add me: danrich618 , and I posted this status before I went to bed last night. "On Twitter/Facebook, I'm Big Dusty. In real life I'm Daniel Richerson. Daniel Richerson needs some growing to do. Big Dusty is there already." This really was the origin of the day break I took and the origin for this blog.
I recently got a new nick name, Double X L. I don't know who he is yet. Hopefully he's a good guy. I've heard it said that if you're called something enough, you start to believe and become it. Be careful what you call somebody because somebody with low confidence will take it and run with it. The Bible says that the power of life and death lies on the tongue.
Continue to keep me in your prayers. I surely need it.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
Thursday, April 01, 2010
April Fools...why is this a holiday?
I've been out spoken on how I hate April Fools day. One reason being is the fact that I'm easy. I don't like being got. I take it to seriously. Anybody else like that? I looked up the history and it goes hundreds of years back apparently. Either way, my opinion, I put this day up there with Valentines Day. Waste of time. People play pranks on each other every day. People show love to their significant other everyday. Why oh why do they need a holiday? What, to do it "bigger and better than ever?" Give me a break. I may sound like a hater, well...
Well that's it. Can't think of nothing else. Bye!
~ Daniel Richerson
P.S. I hate the new YouTube layout. HATE IT!!
Well that's it. Can't think of nothing else. Bye!
~ Daniel Richerson
P.S. I hate the new YouTube layout. HATE IT!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Ramble Dusty Ramble!!
Well hi! Sorry to my blog readers for the long hiatus. Didn't have anything to write or blog about. If I did think about something, I did a podcast. So for this one I'm just going to wing it. For those looking for something deep, check out the other ones. This one, most likely, won't be deep at all, but who's to say I won't drop nuggets here and there. We shall see. LLLLLLLLLLLLLets go!
Let me talk about my time up here in the Mid-West so far. I will admit that there's been up and downs. My body has felt it. I got a good feelings things are looking up for me though. Spiritually they're looking up, and still hoping for that job as soon as I get off my fluffy butt and look for one. In case you haven't figured it out, or if you just want me to come out and say it, here it is. The same thing I was doing in my last few years in South Carolina, I've basically been doing here in Collinsville, IL. Am I proud of that? No. Now when I say the same thing, I mean as far as job goes. Everything else has been AWESOME!! I do miss Fatz though. Great place. So yeah, lets hope that the job will get going like it's supposed to. I'm going to say this, and I truly mean it. I do not want to move back to South Carolina. I especially don't want to move back to South Carolina with nothing to show. Know what I'm sayin?
Relationship wise. What's going on with that? You just read that I had no job. You figure that one out.
Ok I took a break. As if y'all know or want to know that. Either way, I am back to finishing the blogging of which I started. Make sense? Good.
I really got to push myself to work on this story. It's a good story so far in my opinion. Not only because I'm writing it, ok well that is part of the reason, but I think it's the story line is good. I always like to write stories as if I'm the character and I'm in a particular situation. Anyway, I know God gave me a gift to write, and don't get me wrong, I love writing blogs, but I always wanted to write a story and have it published, you know? Like be that guy on the best seller list. I believe it can happen. But for it to happen at all, I got to get to work. Yes I KNOW i need a job, but I still want to work on this story. I will get it moving again. Y'all read it here. If you see me not working on the story, we'll post a dailybooth picture to prove that me and you really met.
Am I the only one that can't listen to Kim Burrell anymore? I literally can't get myself to enjoy her singing. Ever since I heard about that new album, I was like bump that! It may seem wrong to some of you reading this, but I just don't agree with the fact that she's an assistant pastor, and national leader in the COGIC, and yet has a secular album in the works. AND the fact that Kim Burrell has support from other leaders in the COGIC. To each is his own, but as for me, Kim Burrell in my ears? Not if I can help it. Praise the Lord.
I know this wasn't the most structured blog, but it's all I got for this one, k? k. Thanks for reading. Show your love. Comment. Share your thoughts.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Let me talk about my time up here in the Mid-West so far. I will admit that there's been up and downs. My body has felt it. I got a good feelings things are looking up for me though. Spiritually they're looking up, and still hoping for that job as soon as I get off my fluffy butt and look for one. In case you haven't figured it out, or if you just want me to come out and say it, here it is. The same thing I was doing in my last few years in South Carolina, I've basically been doing here in Collinsville, IL. Am I proud of that? No. Now when I say the same thing, I mean as far as job goes. Everything else has been AWESOME!! I do miss Fatz though. Great place. So yeah, lets hope that the job will get going like it's supposed to. I'm going to say this, and I truly mean it. I do not want to move back to South Carolina. I especially don't want to move back to South Carolina with nothing to show. Know what I'm sayin?
Relationship wise. What's going on with that? You just read that I had no job. You figure that one out.
Ok I took a break. As if y'all know or want to know that. Either way, I am back to finishing the blogging of which I started. Make sense? Good.
I really got to push myself to work on this story. It's a good story so far in my opinion. Not only because I'm writing it, ok well that is part of the reason, but I think it's the story line is good. I always like to write stories as if I'm the character and I'm in a particular situation. Anyway, I know God gave me a gift to write, and don't get me wrong, I love writing blogs, but I always wanted to write a story and have it published, you know? Like be that guy on the best seller list. I believe it can happen. But for it to happen at all, I got to get to work. Yes I KNOW i need a job, but I still want to work on this story. I will get it moving again. Y'all read it here. If you see me not working on the story, we'll post a dailybooth picture to prove that me and you really met.
Am I the only one that can't listen to Kim Burrell anymore? I literally can't get myself to enjoy her singing. Ever since I heard about that new album, I was like bump that! It may seem wrong to some of you reading this, but I just don't agree with the fact that she's an assistant pastor, and national leader in the COGIC, and yet has a secular album in the works. AND the fact that Kim Burrell has support from other leaders in the COGIC. To each is his own, but as for me, Kim Burrell in my ears? Not if I can help it. Praise the Lord.
I know this wasn't the most structured blog, but it's all I got for this one, k? k. Thanks for reading. Show your love. Comment. Share your thoughts.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Saturday, February 27, 2010
I feel for Chile and Haiti, but...
Matthew 24:6-8 says, "You will soon hear about wars and threats of wars, but don't be afraid. these things will have to happen first, but that isn't the end. Nations and kingdoms will go to war against each other. People will starve to death, and in some places there will be earthquakes. But this is just the beginning of troubles." Chile got hit with a massive earthquake. And there's rumors for a tsunami to hit Hawaii. But the Bible says these things will happen before Jesus returns. So as my favorite wrestling faction, D-Generation X, asks all the time, "Are you ready?" Now I'm not going to be foolish and say that Jesus is coming back on this certain date or that certain date, but I will say that He's definitely on his way back. I feel for the people of Haiti and Chile, but the Bible says don't be afraid. I guess what I'm saying is, us believers should be celebrating. Jesus is returning soon! Some of you reading that don't know better are going to bad mouth me and say something like, "Why should we celebrate people's lives being taken away by the weather?" Like I said, I feel for the people affected by it. The reason we're celebrating is because the Bible is right. The Bible is true. We're celebrating because we're, at least those of us that are saved, are going to be soon be caught up to meet him in the air. I pray that this is a wake up call to all the lazy saints. I pray that this is a wake up call for people contemplating salvation. Now one reason that we all should be celebrating is because we're breathing. Psalm 150:6 says, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." How can that be said any plainer? You're breathing. You're alive. So...
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Friday, February 19, 2010
Genuine love
Genuine love. dc Talk put a song out that is called, "Luv Is a Verb." Specifically, love is an action verb. That's important to know. Is anybody like me? Sick of hearing loved talked and not showed? I understand that it's important to let the people you love know that you do love them. I have no problem with that at all. My problem is when Love is said but never done. 1 Corinthinans 13:4-5 says, "Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do." If you love somebody, you got to learn of to forgive and let go. Don't do what some church people do and hold stuff over peoples head like you've been perfect. That's not love.
1 John 4:8 says, "God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him." Wow. The 10th verse says, "Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven." John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Now check out this verse. Back in 1 John 4:20. "But if we say we love God and don't love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don't love the people we can see." That'll preach huh?
There's an old song that says, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." I quoted the verse that says, God is love. So what are you waiting for? We all got a testimony, and some are more tragic than others. Some of us live or have lived the type of life that makes it hard to accept love from anybody. That's why we have to be careful to judge people because we don't know their story. It irks me when people judge by the cover or where a person is from. Stop it. You ain't perfect either. I'm learning myself that even though people don't show love to you, you still got to show love to them. 2 wrongs don't make a right.
Y'all stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
1 John 4:8 says, "God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him." Wow. The 10th verse says, "Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven." John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Now check out this verse. Back in 1 John 4:20. "But if we say we love God and don't love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don't love the people we can see." That'll preach huh?
There's an old song that says, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." I quoted the verse that says, God is love. So what are you waiting for? We all got a testimony, and some are more tragic than others. Some of us live or have lived the type of life that makes it hard to accept love from anybody. That's why we have to be careful to judge people because we don't know their story. It irks me when people judge by the cover or where a person is from. Stop it. You ain't perfect either. I'm learning myself that even though people don't show love to you, you still got to show love to them. 2 wrongs don't make a right.
Y'all stay saved,
Daniel Richerson
Friday, February 05, 2010
Lust
Lust is defined as intense sexual desire or appetite, or it can mean a passionate or overmastering desire or craving. If there's one thing hurting the Christian men today is lust. Why is that? Why do you think that is? Is it the fact that because we're saved and filled with the holy ghost that we're immune to lust? Or we're immune to messing up?
Look at David from the Bible. The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. With all that said, if you read in 2 Samuel Chapter 11, David had sex with Bathsheba who was married to Uriah. Bathsheba got pregnant. David tried to hide this by telling Uriah to go home and sleep with Bathsheba. Uriah didn't do it, so David being the King put Uriah in position to get killed. Note again, this is the same David that was a man after God's own heart. So then you get to Chapter 12, still in 2 Samuel, and God was angry with David. So He sent a prophet, Nathan, to tell David a story. Starting at verse 1 and going to verse 4, in the CEV, it says, "A rich man and a poor man lived in the same town. The rich man owned a lot of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had only one little lamb that he had bought and raised. The lamb became a pet for him and his children. He even let it eat from his plate and drink from his cup and sleep on his lap. The lamb was like one of his own children. One day someone came to visit the rich man, but the rich man didn't want to kill any of his own sheep or cattle serve it to the visitor. So he stole the poor man's little lamb and served it instead." Now, David was furious at the rich man. Then Nathan nailed him. Starting at verse 6, "Then Nathan told David: You are that rich man! Now listen to what the LORD God of Israel says to you: 'I chose you to be the king of Israel. I kept you safe from Saul and even gave you his house and his wives. I let you rule Israel and Judah, and if that had not been enough, I would have given you much more. Why did you disobey me and do such a horrible thing? You murdered Uriah the Hittite by having the Ammonites kill him, so you could take his wife. Because you wouldn't obey me and took Uriah's wife for yourself your family will never live in peace. Someone from your own family will cause you alot of trouble, and I will take your wives and give them to another man before your very eyes. He will go to bed with them while everyone looks on. What you did was in secret, but I will do this in the open for everyone in Israel to see.'" What's done in the dark, comes to the light. Lust caused David to lose a child. The child he made with Bathsheba. Lust don't care how big you are or how small you are. You let lust take control, it will. No questions asked.
1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Paul said, "Some of you say, 'We can do anything we want to.' But I tell you that not everything is good for us. So I refuse to let anything have power over me. You also say, 'Food is meant for our bodies, and our bodies are meant for food.' But I tell you that God will destroy them both. We are not supposed to do indecent things with our bodies. We are to use them for the Lord who is in charge of our bodies. God will raise us from death by the same power that he used when he raised our Lord to life. Don't you know that your bodies are part of the body of Christ? Is it right for me to join part of the body of Christ to a prostitute? No it isn't! Don't you know that a man who does that becomes part of her body? The Scriptures say, 'The two of them will be like one person.' But anyone who is joined to the Lord is one in spirit with him. Don't be immoral in matters of sex. That is a sin against your own body in a way that no other sin is. You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God."
Wow. That said a lot right there. Just the simple fact that our bodies are a temple should make something click to say, "Hold up. I can't degrade this temple for a few minutes." But some of us men are like the first verse of the song "Love Lifted Me," which says, "I was sinking deep in sin very far from the peaceful shore. Very deeply stained within sinking to rise no more..." I think sometimes the simplicity of the Word throws us off. Meaning that we look at the simplistic view of it, that we don't care to apply it. That's where trouble happens. Now I know this is not just a male thing. I'm sure it happens in the female community as well. I'm using male because so many male Gospel artists have fell into the trap of lust. Some of us regular men have fell in the same trap. The only difference is the Gospel artists got caught.
For those who have fell in the trap, and are in the trap of lust, Galatians 5:16-26 says, "If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should. But if you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you. People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom. God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind,good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are."
I'm not trying to throw stones here. I'm just saying that none of us are perfect. For all have sinned, right? The problem is we put people on such a platform that when or if they fall, we don't forgive them. Nobody is perfect. In order to follow the Spirit, you have to have the Spirit. In order to have the Spirit, you have to be saved. What must I do to be saved? Believe. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” I heard recently that all confession means is agreeing. You agree that you were sinning. You agree with God that Jesus died on the cross and so forth. To those who have the Spirit. Follow it. You have to make the decision, "You know what Satan. The Lord rebuke you in the name of Jesus. I'm following Jesus today. I've decided to make Jesus my choice." Now if you do mess up, go to God for the forgiveness. God will forgive you.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Look at David from the Bible. The Bible says that David was a man after God's own heart. With all that said, if you read in 2 Samuel Chapter 11, David had sex with Bathsheba who was married to Uriah. Bathsheba got pregnant. David tried to hide this by telling Uriah to go home and sleep with Bathsheba. Uriah didn't do it, so David being the King put Uriah in position to get killed. Note again, this is the same David that was a man after God's own heart. So then you get to Chapter 12, still in 2 Samuel, and God was angry with David. So He sent a prophet, Nathan, to tell David a story. Starting at verse 1 and going to verse 4, in the CEV, it says, "A rich man and a poor man lived in the same town. The rich man owned a lot of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had only one little lamb that he had bought and raised. The lamb became a pet for him and his children. He even let it eat from his plate and drink from his cup and sleep on his lap. The lamb was like one of his own children. One day someone came to visit the rich man, but the rich man didn't want to kill any of his own sheep or cattle serve it to the visitor. So he stole the poor man's little lamb and served it instead." Now, David was furious at the rich man. Then Nathan nailed him. Starting at verse 6, "Then Nathan told David: You are that rich man! Now listen to what the LORD God of Israel says to you: 'I chose you to be the king of Israel. I kept you safe from Saul and even gave you his house and his wives. I let you rule Israel and Judah, and if that had not been enough, I would have given you much more. Why did you disobey me and do such a horrible thing? You murdered Uriah the Hittite by having the Ammonites kill him, so you could take his wife. Because you wouldn't obey me and took Uriah's wife for yourself your family will never live in peace. Someone from your own family will cause you alot of trouble, and I will take your wives and give them to another man before your very eyes. He will go to bed with them while everyone looks on. What you did was in secret, but I will do this in the open for everyone in Israel to see.'" What's done in the dark, comes to the light. Lust caused David to lose a child. The child he made with Bathsheba. Lust don't care how big you are or how small you are. You let lust take control, it will. No questions asked.
1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Paul said, "Some of you say, 'We can do anything we want to.' But I tell you that not everything is good for us. So I refuse to let anything have power over me. You also say, 'Food is meant for our bodies, and our bodies are meant for food.' But I tell you that God will destroy them both. We are not supposed to do indecent things with our bodies. We are to use them for the Lord who is in charge of our bodies. God will raise us from death by the same power that he used when he raised our Lord to life. Don't you know that your bodies are part of the body of Christ? Is it right for me to join part of the body of Christ to a prostitute? No it isn't! Don't you know that a man who does that becomes part of her body? The Scriptures say, 'The two of them will be like one person.' But anyone who is joined to the Lord is one in spirit with him. Don't be immoral in matters of sex. That is a sin against your own body in a way that no other sin is. You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God."
Wow. That said a lot right there. Just the simple fact that our bodies are a temple should make something click to say, "Hold up. I can't degrade this temple for a few minutes." But some of us men are like the first verse of the song "Love Lifted Me," which says, "I was sinking deep in sin very far from the peaceful shore. Very deeply stained within sinking to rise no more..." I think sometimes the simplicity of the Word throws us off. Meaning that we look at the simplistic view of it, that we don't care to apply it. That's where trouble happens. Now I know this is not just a male thing. I'm sure it happens in the female community as well. I'm using male because so many male Gospel artists have fell into the trap of lust. Some of us regular men have fell in the same trap. The only difference is the Gospel artists got caught.
For those who have fell in the trap, and are in the trap of lust, Galatians 5:16-26 says, "If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires. The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should. But if you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you. People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom. God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind,good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are."
I'm not trying to throw stones here. I'm just saying that none of us are perfect. For all have sinned, right? The problem is we put people on such a platform that when or if they fall, we don't forgive them. Nobody is perfect. In order to follow the Spirit, you have to have the Spirit. In order to have the Spirit, you have to be saved. What must I do to be saved? Believe. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” I heard recently that all confession means is agreeing. You agree that you were sinning. You agree with God that Jesus died on the cross and so forth. To those who have the Spirit. Follow it. You have to make the decision, "You know what Satan. The Lord rebuke you in the name of Jesus. I'm following Jesus today. I've decided to make Jesus my choice." Now if you do mess up, go to God for the forgiveness. God will forgive you.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Thursday, January 28, 2010
I couldn't leave this alone...
Really, I know I should probably back off from this subject but I can't help it. I love Gospel Rap, and I hate when ignorant people say that it can't be used. Here's my thing. You say it's demonic. You say it's no good. You figure since it's rap, they're automatically doing the same thing all the other "big named" rappers are doing. So when we dance in church, automatically, we're of the devil. Automatically we're in the clubs having an orgy with our clothes on because dancing is in the church. We sing in the church, so automatically we're talking about sex. Automatically we're cussing and drinking and having sex outside of marriages. That's what other singers do, so obviously singers that do it for God are doing the same thing. (Granted, some are, but that's not the point of this.)
The same people that say you don't have to stop dancing when you get saved, you just changed partners...say that you can't rap in church. It is written, "Use your gift to the glory of God." So what you saying is, when a person that raps gets saved and full with the holy ghost, they can't use they're gift of rap? But when somebody is a singer and they get saved, automatically, we want them to put out a Gospel album. I can't count how many times I've heard people say, "Jennifer Hudson needs to do Gospel." Automatically we want the best singers to do Gospel. I said in a past blog that salvation is an inside job. It's not the music that's bad people. It's the inside of the person that's doing the music. If the person is of the devil then the music is going to be...hello?
Ok, so you listen to rap when you weren't saved, now that you are saved, you say, "I can't listen to rap anymore." Well bless your heart. I'm not going to fault you for that. But let me say this, just because it didn't reach you, don't mean that it can't be reached to reach other people. (Preach Daniel!) When I was in high school, I had friends that listened to hip-hop that couldn't stand rock. I also had friends that listen to rock that couldn't stand hip-hop. So people are not going to like what you like. You may like the Canton Spirituals. I for one wouldn't pay a penny to hear them. But that's just me. The Canton Spirituals is obviously not meant to reach a person like me, but that doesn't mean they can't and haven't reached other people.
I heard somebody say that he doesn't like Tye Tribbett because he jumps around on stage like the secular artists do. So we can dance in the church because we "changed partners." We can sing in the church because we "changed partners." But how dare you have fun on church and get the crowd into it because the world does that. Uh...excuse me. The world dances and sings. Gotcha biscut as my little sister would say.
Come on people think. That's all I'm saying think. Wisdom is a heck of a thing if you use it. Every Gospel is not meant to reach you! Just because it's not reaching you doesn't mean it's of the devil!! I couldn't stand country in the world, so why would I listen to Gospel country? It's not meant to reach me. It's not for me, but that doesn't mean that somebody that's into country that's not saved, can't get saved by Gospel country. Y'all don't hear me...
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
The same people that say you don't have to stop dancing when you get saved, you just changed partners...say that you can't rap in church. It is written, "Use your gift to the glory of God." So what you saying is, when a person that raps gets saved and full with the holy ghost, they can't use they're gift of rap? But when somebody is a singer and they get saved, automatically, we want them to put out a Gospel album. I can't count how many times I've heard people say, "Jennifer Hudson needs to do Gospel." Automatically we want the best singers to do Gospel. I said in a past blog that salvation is an inside job. It's not the music that's bad people. It's the inside of the person that's doing the music. If the person is of the devil then the music is going to be...hello?
Ok, so you listen to rap when you weren't saved, now that you are saved, you say, "I can't listen to rap anymore." Well bless your heart. I'm not going to fault you for that. But let me say this, just because it didn't reach you, don't mean that it can't be reached to reach other people. (Preach Daniel!) When I was in high school, I had friends that listened to hip-hop that couldn't stand rock. I also had friends that listen to rock that couldn't stand hip-hop. So people are not going to like what you like. You may like the Canton Spirituals. I for one wouldn't pay a penny to hear them. But that's just me. The Canton Spirituals is obviously not meant to reach a person like me, but that doesn't mean they can't and haven't reached other people.
I heard somebody say that he doesn't like Tye Tribbett because he jumps around on stage like the secular artists do. So we can dance in the church because we "changed partners." We can sing in the church because we "changed partners." But how dare you have fun on church and get the crowd into it because the world does that. Uh...excuse me. The world dances and sings. Gotcha biscut as my little sister would say.
Come on people think. That's all I'm saying think. Wisdom is a heck of a thing if you use it. Every Gospel is not meant to reach you! Just because it's not reaching you doesn't mean it's of the devil!! I couldn't stand country in the world, so why would I listen to Gospel country? It's not meant to reach me. It's not for me, but that doesn't mean that somebody that's into country that's not saved, can't get saved by Gospel country. Y'all don't hear me...
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Monday, January 25, 2010
Confidence
Ok, so this past Sunday at church, or for you dated readers 1/24/10, the first lady, got me up to the front to sing "How Great is Our God" lightly during altar call. For one let me say, that I hate singing lightly. To me, if I got to sing light, I might as well hum. Anyway, I started out singing, and I didn't realize the mic was off. So I turned the mic on, and started singing, and I saw expressions change. I got through it, and that was that. But for some reason, when mom and I headed to the car to go home, my mood changed for the worse. I felt like my joy was gone away just that quick. At first I thought it was that I was rubbing people the wrong way. Which is something I never want to do. I understand that not all people is gonna like me, but I don't want to purposely give them a reason. Talked with mom and tears were shed. (Side Note: BTW, if anybody on Earth has the spirit of discernment, it's a true mother. For some odd reason, they always see through you.)Later that night, I was watching, don't judge me, Alvin and The Chipmunks. As they were singing, I realized what my problem was. It wasn't the fact that I was worried about rubbing people the wrong way, although that didn't help. It was the fact that I've never really been confident in my voice. I'm confident I can play drums, and write like this, but singing is something I just can't get confident in.
Deuteronomy 31:8 say, "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Another word for dismayed is discouraged. With the Lord with me, I should've been confident in the gift He gave me in the first place. Doubt is a heck of a drug.
Psalm 73:26 says, "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." This is the problem of singing to the crowd and not singing to God. You forget that God is the strength that gave you your voice in the first place, so you choke and can't figure out why.
Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." What's sad? Most of us know that verse by heart, but don't take time to apply it and believe it. We don't think about this while we feel under pressure.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Now we had just talked about that in Sunday School that morning. Crazy how we read the Bible, but don't apply it. (Preach Daniel)
If you read Philippians 4:13 in the CEV, it says, "Christ gives me strength to face anything." It is written in the Bible that nothing is to hard for God. I have to accept the fact that God gave me this voice that I have. You have to accept God gave you your gift, and he also provides you with strength to face any negative situation you might be in. Now I said that I felt like my joy was taken out. You let the devil steal your joy, you feel weak. That's why the song says, "Don't let the devil steal your joy. Joy in the Lord." Notice I said let. All the power the devil has, you give it him. Simple is that. Jesus said that all power is given unto him. So the devil has no power, unless you give him some over you.
1 John 3:20-21 say, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." That says it all right there. God is greater than our problems. He's greater than our feelings or heart. When they say, take it to the Lord and leave it there, they know that God is greater than the it. Put your confidence or full trust in God, and He'll take care of you. Some how or another, I forgot that.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Deuteronomy 31:8 say, "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Another word for dismayed is discouraged. With the Lord with me, I should've been confident in the gift He gave me in the first place. Doubt is a heck of a drug.
Psalm 73:26 says, "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." This is the problem of singing to the crowd and not singing to God. You forget that God is the strength that gave you your voice in the first place, so you choke and can't figure out why.
Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." What's sad? Most of us know that verse by heart, but don't take time to apply it and believe it. We don't think about this while we feel under pressure.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Now we had just talked about that in Sunday School that morning. Crazy how we read the Bible, but don't apply it. (Preach Daniel)
If you read Philippians 4:13 in the CEV, it says, "Christ gives me strength to face anything." It is written in the Bible that nothing is to hard for God. I have to accept the fact that God gave me this voice that I have. You have to accept God gave you your gift, and he also provides you with strength to face any negative situation you might be in. Now I said that I felt like my joy was taken out. You let the devil steal your joy, you feel weak. That's why the song says, "Don't let the devil steal your joy. Joy in the Lord." Notice I said let. All the power the devil has, you give it him. Simple is that. Jesus said that all power is given unto him. So the devil has no power, unless you give him some over you.
1 John 3:20-21 say, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." That says it all right there. God is greater than our problems. He's greater than our feelings or heart. When they say, take it to the Lord and leave it there, they know that God is greater than the it. Put your confidence or full trust in God, and He'll take care of you. Some how or another, I forgot that.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Monday, January 18, 2010
Grace and Mercy
Romans 3:24 (CEV) says, "But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins." I don't know about you, but as I like to say, that'll preach right there. Grace and mercy. Grace is favor or good will. Mercy is compassion. Grace and mercy is the reason we wake up in the morning after we've sinned the night/morning before. James 1:15 (CEV) says, "Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead." We also know that it is written in the Bible that, "The wages of sin is death." Everyone who is reading this should've been dead, but because of God's grace and mercy, He allows us to wake up every morning. And like I said in an earlier post, Lamentations 3:39-40 (CEV) say, "We're still alive! We shouldn't complain when we are being punished for our sins. Instead, we should think about the way we are living, and turn back to the Lord." Most of us have heard the song Amazing Grace. Think about the words. "Amazing grace/how sweet the sound/the saved a wretch/like me." A wretch is a miserable, unfortunate, or unhappy person. All of us have been there, and those of us who have accepted Jesus in our lives, know that it was by His grace. There's an old song that says, "Your grace and mercy brought me through. I'm living this moment because of You. I want to thank You, and praise You too. For Your grace and mercy brought me through." Another song says, "Where would I be, if not for Your grace carrying me through every season?" This is personal to me. I know I've done stuff not that long ago, and I mean that, and when I wake up the next morning it's like, "Somebody is praying for me. Thank you God for grace and mercy." So don't take the fact that you're still living after your sins for granted. The reason you're still living, is because God is giving you another chance to turn back to Him. He your savior wants to be, be saved today!!
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
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