NOT YOUR AVERAGE ANTI HALLOWEEN BLOG

Today being what it is one would think that I would talk about Halloween and all that. I may talk about it a little bit, but that's not the direction I feel like going with this blog. I don't celebrate Halloween, just to put it out there. The reason I was given was, "It's the devil's birthday." I was told that as a little kid, and I remember going to the daycare, Rocking Horse Daycare, and I told everybody why I don't celebrate it. I never really got envious of other kids either. At least I don't remember getting envious. I just remember us putting a sign on the door that says we don't celebrate Halloween please don't knock. Funny story with that though. One year we put a sign up. We went to what the church calls Hallelujah Night. Came back and someone changed the sign to say, "We Celebrate Halloween. Please Knock." Pretty clever.

I asked the kids at church why we don't celebrate Halloween and most of them said, "It's the devil's birthday." Ok let's put this out there. If you study the Word of God, Lucifer was an angel in heaven  before he tried to arise above his position then got sent to hell. One could assume God always had angels, so how could one figure out when the Devil was born? I mean are we going by when he was sent to hell? Or are we going by when he was made in heaven? I mean where are we going with the "devil's birthday?" thing? Now is it the Devil's Day? I give you that, but the birthday thing is too much for me to fathom at this age. Now I've been told the origin of Halloween by my dad plenty of times. Do I remember what he said?

Moving on. Sticking with Halloween subject a little bit. So, Miley Cyrus Halloween costume this year is Lil Kim. Some years ago, I want to say 1999, Lil Kim an outfit on that stole the show. and Miley trying to wear the same outfit is laughable. Lil Kim actually has a chest. Miley has a chest God gave a preteen that hasn't had her first period yet. Lil Kim covered a nipple but you could still see the outer boob. Miley covered the whole boob. I'm so done with Miley. Miley is going through a mid life crisis and she's only 20. People are giving Miley credit for the outfit, which gives you a reason to stay off of drugs kids. Have y'all seen or heard that song Miley did with Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J called 23? And the fans of 106 and Park have the audacity the unmitigated gall to have that video not just on the countdown but number 2 on the coutdown. Biggie and Tu Pac, well Biggie for sure, are turning in their graves with the state of hip-hop right now. If it wasn't for Eminem still being around, and A.S.A.P. Rocky, and Kendrick Lemar hip hop would be dead as a genre which would make COGIC pastors around the world estatic. Now am I'm saying I listen to Eminem, Kendrick Lemar, or A.S.A.P. Rocky? No. I listen to Lecrae, KB, Flame, T-Bone, KJ-52, and cats like that. I'm just saying, Eminem and nem are keeping the essence of Hip-hop alive. Having Miley Cyrus, the girl who tries to pop her back because she has no booty, in a hip hop video is just blasphemous in my opinion.

Didn't know I was going to go there, but I talk to myself a lot and this is what I think about. Ok, I'm done. Have a good one y'all. If you celebrate Halloween, be careful. Check your candy or fruit before you eat because folks are crazy.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

WHAT YOU INHALE, YOU'LL EXHALE

You ever like hear the same message over and over then at one random moment it hits you like a dart? I think I've even blogged about it at one time talking about watch what you eat. What's in you will come out. Or as my mom would say all the time, "You eat fat greasy food, you'll be a fat greasy dude." I heard this all the time but never really had it sunk in before. When old folk talk about be careful what you watch, they mean it. Example, lately I've been watching Paul Mooney videos. Paul Mooney is a all time great comedian that's still working the roads. I believe the man is 80 or close to it. Anyway, Paul is not the cleanest guy in the world. The man wrote for Richard Pryor. The Richard Pryor. So one cannot expect him to work clean, and trust, he doesn't. So it wouldn't be surprising that if a situation got to a certain point, certain words might "slip" out. It's not really a slip though if that's what's you're inhaling. That's like eating nachos and then when you burp you have the taste of nachos and be like, "Where did that come from?" What you put in will come out.

So with all that being said, I got to listening to this song Paradise by Isaac Carree. The lyrics go like this, "Everybody wants to go there, but nobody wants to die.
So if you wanna see Him, you gotta live this life right, yeah.

Nothing's for certain, but this one thing's for sure.
We all gonna leave here, I pray I make it through them doors.

There will be (no more tears and no more pain).
I wanna hear Him (say, " well done," when he calls my name).
Can't wait to get to paradise (paradise).
Can't wait to get to paradise (paradise). Paradise."

I had this song on repeat. It was just sinking and sinking in. Most of us want to go to heaven. Nobody in their right mind wants to go to hell. But to reach a specific destination, you have to take the right directions. Can't go to heaven playing around with certain stuff that I know is unbiblical. Like the job I got terminated from, right? I went in and they trained us to operate under certain rules. I didn't follow the rules. I broke the rules and got punished for it. Was I mad? Yes. But I couldn't really be mad at the company because I did break the rules. They say if you know right you do right. I say if you know right and don't want to do right, it doesn't really matter.

One big pet peeve that I have is old religious folk talking down to young people like they don't know anything, and then wonder why the young people rebel. Got to use common sense. Another pet peeve is when old religious folk that has seen you grow up and at the same time treat you like you're still that teenager. Even though you're grown with a beard. But anyway, I believe young people do know better, they just don't care. Young people are not stupid. When they want to do better or be better, they will be better. Like for me, I didn't want to eat healthy. I thought eating healthy was not that important. Until I went to the hospital for congested heart failure and realized that this ain't a joke. I say keep teaching the young people the right way. The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Sometimes it takes something catastrophic for change to happen. 9/11 ring a bell? Before 9/11, unity in this country was not that important. After 9/11, even though it didn't last long, this country was for once United.

So let me say, to bring this all home, that there is a purpose for all that we go through. We can't waste time worrying about stupid people and what they think they know. The Bible says, "Study to show THYself approved." Keep on keeping on. And..

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

CUTTING OFF DEAD BRANCHES

I talked to God before I started posted this blog because I knew that i had to be careful of what I typed. I will say this much how ever. I sorta understand how the Republicans in congress feel. We all know about the government shut down that's going on. Congress didn't like what Obama presented so besides being grown up and having a conversation with Obama on what to do to compromise, they decided to shut down in protest. The reason why I say I understand how Congress feels is because I too understand what it is like to disagree with leadership. Some people in leadership, to be blunt, really suck at leading. I'm not saying that's Obama, I'm just talking general, but even if they are horrible at their post, we got to show them respect. We may not respect the person holding the position, but we got to respect the position.

Now, a couple of days ago I posted a status on my Facebook, that said, "Have to turn some people off…for my own health and peace." In the comment section I was asked how do we do that? How do we cut people off? I said, "You got to choose to. Delete them from from your facebook. Keep the conversations short. Don't give them a thought." To add on to that delete any text conversations. Turn them off from your memory. The questions comes, who was I talking about in that status? or why did I post that status? That I won't get into on this blog, but I will say that I question if some people really care, or are they just nosey? or if they do care, do they care for the right reasons?

Also I will say that when an athlete is out with an injury, people try to rush them back on the court or field. When the athlete comes back too soon they risk permanent injury. Or they do what Derrick Rose did and sit out an entire season to make sure they are ready to come back to play. Now I'm more of a Derrick Rose. Those that know and read the last blog post know that I was in the hospital. And a lot of people know that I sing in the choir and on the P&W team at my church. At a recent choir rehearsal I tried to come back on the choir and realized that I was no where near ready. At that point I realized that I needed to take my time coming back to the choir stand. I'm not going to let anybody rush me back or force me to come back. I don't care who they are.

I'm going to stop right there because if I keep going, I'll start mentioning names, and that's never a good thing. Update after the hospital btw, I'm feeling better day by day. I'm taking my meds like I'm supposed to. and my weight is coming down also. Yet I shall not be rushed. So yes I am cutting people off in my life. Why? Because, one, I'm tired of losing sleep. Two, my blood pressure is already bad enough as it is. Third, I got better things to do then to spend my time staying mad at folks that don't matter. And I'm tired of having no one to confide in. I can count on one hand of people I can actually confide in on this planet. So I'm trimming off dead branches if you will. I am a bit too sensitive at times I admit that, but at the same time some people are just not worth my time or my thoughts. Y'all got people like that in your life also. I say turn them off and get your sleep back. Nobody is worth your peace.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty

THIS BLOG POST SHOULDN'T EVEN EXIST, BUT GOD

I've heard this all my life, "We're overcome by the word of our testimony."

So I went to this funeral. I was sitting all the way in the back because I didn't want to see the body. I'm definitely not about that life. Anyway there I was sitting in the back. Mind y'all I'm not a big crier. But I was getting emotional and shooken up. Why?

Ok for a long time my blood pressure has been a big issue. Only it took me a while to go to the doctor for it. When I finally did, I got medicine for it. I took it like I was supposed to and then I stopped taking it. Why? Good question. To be honest, I probably forgot one day and then the trend the continued. Plus in my own mind I was feeling fine so I figured I don't need it. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. I was having a lot of issues breathing which caused a long time of sleepless nights. I figured it was one of those, "God is trying to tell me something" type thing so I didn't think to go to the ER or doctor for it. I figured it would blow off eventually. Well it didn't. So one Sunday night it got really bad and I had my little sister take me to the ER. Got to the ER, and not only couldn't I breathe properly, but I was sweating like I stole something. Now I'm a generational sweater anyway, but I've never sweated this bad. So not only couldn't I breathe, but I was sweating like a politician in church.

Again, I shouldn't even be here typing this right now. If my sister wasn't there to take me to the ER, I probably would've been hard-headed. So I was knocking on death's door, but I got another chance. That's why at the funeral, I was overcome with emotion. I got chills. I was scared to be honest. Just to let y'all know I am taking my medicine and I've changed the way I eat. Lifestyle change I wasn't comfortable with at first, but I'm adjusting to it. I still don't trust doctors. Oh let me tell you why. So I was laying on my hospital bed eating my lunch, and this Herman Munster, Google it kids, look a like came in to "check on me." Again I was eating during this. He looked me dead in the eye and said, "You'll be dead by 30." Now I think he was trying to tell me that, "If you don't change your way of living, you'll be dead by 30." But he didn't say that. Again I was eating my lunch. So in my mind I was thinking, "Dude, why don't you just shoot me and end it now?"

I was also told that my heart beat will never get back to where it's supposed to be. See why I don't like the doctors? But I one time read in the Word of God, "My flesh and my heart faileth:  but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." (Psalm 73:26, KJV) Thank you all for the prayers and concern. I will be fine. I will be ok. You know, I've heard all my life, "Doctors say one thing, but God." I never thought I would experience that.

Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
Twitter.com/big_dusty
Facebook.com/bigdusty

Random venting...ness?

So here's the scoop. I have not been sleeping well at all for the past I say week....maybe a little more than that. I don't know why. I've been going to bed at a decent hour, but for some reason or another I can't fall asleep. Before this thought enters your head let me say that the coffee machine is broke. So if you're even considering that thought, zip it, lock it, and put it in your pocket.

Also, it's going on 8 months, not 10 (you know who you are), since I've had a job. It has not been plesant either. It's been frustrating. Sometimes I feel I'm going to break. Honestly I feel useless without money in my pocket. And when I'm supposed to have money in my pocket I get screwed out of it. It's like a down hill roller coaster with no up hill in sight. And the pressure that I and others have put on me is becoming unbearable. Its like when I was working, and I got hungry, I could eat. Grocery shopping without a budget. I wasn't loaded but I was comfortable. This sudden change of circumstances really sucks to be honest with you.

I don't show that I'm grateful for things, but I really am. I'm grateful to have a bed to sleep in and food to eat. I'm thankful for a drivers liscense and a car to drive for the time being. And I'm am searching for a job contrary to what some people may think. I know I have a rep of being lazy. And when I make positive steps, I still get razzed about what I'm not doing. I'm starting to learn and figure out that I can't live to please people. I can't and will not please everyone. I got to leave to please Jesus. If I don't please you, so be it. Just cause I'm not doing things your way doesn't mean I'm wrong.

Things are going to be get better. There are some things that I got to work on personally. Just continue to pray for me.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson
Facebook.com/bigdusty
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram

USE WHAT YOU GOT

It's been a long time. Little over a month. With a lap top that doesn't work and a desktop that went out on me, it was hard to post anything, but let me take this time thank you all for sticking around. Thanks for reading my stuff. Got a wrestling blog posted, and got my ipod on shuffle. So with that being said...cue Prodigal Son ~ Tye Tribbett. Before I go into this blog, I've heard Tye Tribbett's new album and I'm going to say it's his best album yet. Just awesome. I also listened Isaac Carree's new album, and I liked it also. I'm an R Kelly fan so that Clean This House remix is the cut as far as I'm concerned. But anyway--let's do this.

You can tell somebody what their doing is wrong. You can even tell them the consequences of the actions, but to be honest, it sometimes is not going to do anything. Some people got to be experienced to finally get it. Like you can tell thief about how wrong stealing is and it'll go in one ear and out the other. But when that jail cell closes, not all the time, but usually the realization kicks in. A prime example is the late great Sammy Davis Jr. Just imagine if he would've left the cigarettes alone. He'd still be alive today and killing it, possibly. But he just couldn't stop smoking even when he told people he stopped, he'd sneak off and get a puff in. Don't wait until it's too late to get the realization. I know I got realizations in my life and thank God I'm still alive to get stuff straight.

Some of the bad habits you can't seem to break, I say if at all possible, change your habits, or seek help. Don't wait until the consequences of that habit start to happen to realize, "Hmm, I my need to stop this." Believe me on that. An old song has become one of my favorites. I encourage anybody going through to YouTube Wave It Away by John P Kee. The song basically says give it to Jesus because he can bare them. Matthew 11:28-30 reads like this, "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." Now that was Jesus speaking.

A popular song in the church now is Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs. It's an awesome worship song. I'm willing to bet it's a song sung out of key and tune at churches around the world. That's when you know you got a hit folks. Anyway the song says, "There is power in the name of Jesus. To break every chain." We love that song. We "go in" on the song. Yet we don't use the power. An old congregational song says, "There is power. Power. Wonder working power in the blood of the lamb." We don't call on Jesus nor do we plead the blood of Jesus anymore. That may sound old school but the blood still works. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big supporter of new school. But some stuff we shouldn't stop doing as believers. Calling on Jesus and pleading the blood is right up there. We are a generation that loves singing and quoting but doesn't like applying.

We're wondering why chains aren't being broken. We wondering why we're still bound. Seeking God might help. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicket ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." #Boom! Let me bring this in the mix though. Acts 16:25-26 "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were open, and every one's bands were loosed." Is your praise being heard? Maybe that's part of the problem.

Now the seed has been planted or watered. I pray that God provides the sunlight to provide the growth. I learned that I can't force anyone to do anything. I learned that what goes on in your personal life is just that. Personal. It's none of my business. All I'm supposed to do is speak truth. and the Bible says in John that the truth shall make you free. The decision is yours. Believe me that this blog is just for me as it is hopefully for some of you reading this.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram
BigDusty on Facebook
 

MY TEST WILL BECOME MY TESIMONY

Cue Psalm 150 by Vashawn Mitchell. There was a time where I was asked to pick songs I would like to lead at church. Too bad this song wasn’t out at that time. I would definitely take a shot at it.


My life has some very dark times that I haven’t really blogged, vlogged, or podcasted about. I don’t talk about them, and I try not to think about them because I got enough current problems to be thinking about the past. So I was going back and forth with an old friend of mine from high school on Instagram, and I mentioned that at one time in my life I was homeless. It’s not something I promote and brag about. Anyway, I got to thinking about it. In high school, I never had a thought about the possibility of living in a Kia Sedona. In High School, things weren’t perfect but they weren’t bad either. After High School, tried to college thing, but with the major I chose, I ended up didn’t liking it so I left with what I should’ve done is choose a different major and take the basic classes seriously, which I didn’t. I took nothing seriously at that time. At that point I didn’t take anything seriously, until I had no other choice but to. Even after I left college, I didn’t take it seriously. Probably thought that it was no big deal. Mom was working in the Midwest. She came up with the idea of me going up there with her to get a job and stop being lazy. I even got my hair cut for the move thinking it was going to be a “new start” not realizing that a new start would require some work on my part. I figured it was all going to happen miraculously. 6 months later, mom sent me back to South Carolina. Back in SC, nothing changed. Same bad habits. Same attitude. Nothing changed. Until—

It was definitely one of those things where you think, “This will never happen to me!” until it does. It slowed down my life to the point where that really right now I’m still trying to get it moving again. Not to say that it was all bad. I did have times where I smiled. In the Midwest I met people I’ll never forget, no matter how hard I try (jokes). I did some YouTube videos that made people laugh. I wrote some blogs that people were touched by. I met some people through this “beast” known as the internet that I’m still friends with. I would love to meet them in person one day. Not like in a MTV Catfish type of way, but just to meet them face to face to see if they’d like the real me because they seem to like or tolerate the internet persona. Also another good thing. I finally got my license November 2011. So it’s not all bad, but far from perfect. I got a job working that lasted over a year which was a positive. Getting canned wasn’t part of the plan but that old mindset that’s haunted me all my life reared its ugly head.

My test will become my testimony. Even when I doubt that, which I do, but just by what I was told at certain times of my life that’s stuck with me by not only my parents, but preachers as well, my life as it is can’t be it. Have I failed and fell? More than I care to admit. But that’s part of the pressing the Bible talks about. The old song says, “Nobody told me the road would be easy, but I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” So what I got to do is keep doing what I can, doing moving, and keep pressing forward. And after I’ve done all I can—

Sorry mom.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

Facebook.com/bigdusty

Twitter.com/big_dusty

Instagram.com/big_dusty

Whose report do you believe?

Cue Awesome by Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago. A song that is probably being sung at every church around the world. I know the last couple of blogs have been venting. I probably should apologize---


So as I was studying in the Word of God, a little song came to me that I haven’t heard in years. It says, “Whose report do you believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord.” Think about it. How many times has the doctor said there’s no way and God made a way? How many times have folks been told that they’re nothing and God made something out of nothing? Whose report do you believe?

So people talk about you, so you’re called ugly, so you’re called worthless. Whose report do you believe? I believe the bible says, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. More than a conquer. Chosen generation. Royal priesthood. So you’re sick. You need surgery. You need a transplant. You’re told that only have a certain amount of time to live. Whose report do you believe? His report says I am healed/His report says I am filled/ His report says I am free/His report says victory.

The same God that did it before, He can do it again. I’ve been out of work since January 28. This Thursday (June 26), I got an interview for a potential job. It’s really no goodness of my own but it’s by the grace of God that I’ve been kept all this time, and I still have a mind to go on.

So this may be for somebody or may be just for me, whose report do you believe?

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

http://www.facebook.com/bigdusty

http://www.twitter.com/big_dusty

HAVE SOME THINGS TO DO BUT HAD TO GET THIS OFF MY CHEST

Cue Clean This House remix feat R-Kelly by Isaac Carree. I cannot wait to get this song on June 25^th. I’m counting down the days. So I know the last post was heavy. But it was real. And it was definitely what I was feeling at the time. So with that being said…

James 4:17 says “So then, those who do not do the good they know they should do are guilty of sin.” We’ve all heard that excuse, “God knows my heart.” Cop out. You know better. Saying you can’t break that nasty habit. You can’t stop this or that. I would stop this but blah blah blah. I would stop but I can’t help it. Yes you can. We all got our struggles, trust I knows I do. But when we know to better and we don’t because it’s a habit that we choose not to break, come on now. It can be done. Matthew 6:22-23 says, 22 “The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light; 23but if your eyes are no good, your body will be in darkness. So if the light in you is darkness, how terribly dark it will be!” Donald Lawrence said it like this, “Guard your hearing/Guard your seeing/Guard your speaking/Guard your heart.” If you stop feeding what you’re struggling with, it will die. It’s as simple as the life of a plant. If you stop watering the roots of a plant, that plant will die. Stop cutting leafs and branches of the habit and kill it at the root. You may have to stop watching certain things that you love. Starving something is not going to be easy. It’s going to put up a fight. But if you’re in a true relationship with Jesus the Christ, then he’ll fight that battle for you. You have to let go and let God.

Now I was going to end the blog there and just post it. You know Stay Saved, and all that. But fortunately I got to thinking and I got some things I want to get off my chest, again. Why don’t I talk to somebody, because I can’t get out what I want to say through talking. This is unfortunate, but your reputation has affect on how you get treated. If you have a rep of being lazy, even if you’re trying to do better and actually doing something…most likely it won’t matter. People will continue to question what you do from day to day if you do anything at all. It’s fair to a point. If you have a reputation of being a child molester, I wouldn’t hire you at a daycare. Or if you’re in this situation where you got fired for violating company policy and you haven’t a hard time finding a new job. It’s understandable why you’re not getting call backs from applications you put in. It sucks, but life is life. I just wish that when you see people trying to change that people will accept it. If they are willing to change, who are you to continue to hold their previous decisions over people’s heads? I got to watch my words here because what I really want to say could get me razzed 4 life.

Or how about getting accused of something you’re apparently not doing because of your reputation? I’m sorry but that’s a crotch chop waiting to happen from me. You know what they say in church, “If I can’t say a word, I’ll just wave my hand.” Well ever felt like, “If I can’t say a word, I’ll just wave the finger.” Not saying to do that, but you definitely feel like doing it sometimes. Especially when you get called lazy for doing something that somebody else is getting praised for.

Now I know I got things to do but if I didn’t get this out, I would’ve been pissed off all day.  My name is Daniel Richerson and I have been a world class screw up. I admit to all my faults. That’s one thing that old job cannot accuse me of. I came clean about everything. But when I try, or when I am redeeming myself, but still get treated like I’m the same screw up…nigg—you ain’t perfect either. The same way you get mad when people call you out, hello? So please believe, I’m doing better and I’m going to be better. I realize my faults. I’m not naïve despite what you may think about me. Instead of worrying about me being the screw up you know me to be, how about try praying for me and ask me how I’m doing? Don’t ask me how I’m doing with the mindset of the screw up, but hopefully with the mindset of really wanting to know how I’m doing? How bout that? It may be too heavy but at this point? My level of giving a—is welp—

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson
Facebook.com/bigdusty
Twitter.com/big_dusty

TRYING TO SMILE BUT CANT

A song I got on repeat right now on my ipod is I Smile by Kirk Franklin. Why? Because I’m trying to. I’m trying to smile. It’s not easy right now for me to smile. I’m trying to keep the faith. I’m trying to have faith. I believe that the same God that gave blessed me with a job in 2011 will bless me with one again, but it’s been over 4 months since I’ve been working. I’m looking but I keep getting nos. I haven’t found that yes yet. I posted a podcast yesterday trying to motivate myself to chase my dreams yet 24 hours later, I find it hard to put a smile on my face. (I’ll post the link to the podcast at the end of this blog) This coming from a guy that when I was a kid I would go up to anybody that had a camera and say, “cheese” I’m that guy. This coming from a guy that when I smile, people actually compliment it. This coming from a guy that wants to be an entertainer one day. That wants to be that guy with a tux on making people laugh. Here I am in this apartment trying to find a smile through all this crap I put myself through.


I’m not going to sit here and blame the devil for my troubles. He gets too much credit for stuff already. This is all from bad decisions I made. This is why I’m finding it hard to smile. When I do smile people don’t believe it’s genuine. I get this, “What are you smiling for?” or “What’s wrong with you?” Like I’m not capable of smiling! Getting judged for trying to be positive. What goes around comes back around. I think that this may be that kind of scenario for me.

I should be in a good mood though despite of my situation. A young buck I know just graduated from high school. I still got a place to sleep. I still got food to eat. Yet due to bad decisions and bad management of certain things, I’m sitting here with my bottom lip on the floor.

I get jealous of my little sister. No lie. She’s working. She got her license before I did. She went to college and graduated. I went to college and left. She’s always smiling and has this amazing faith. I’m always frowning and don’t have enough faith to make up the size of a mustard seed. She would get folks calling her, to check on her. My phone would stay silent. She loves people. I turn them away. She’s the daughter the calls mom every day. She has a good relationship with mom and dad. I don’t. I turn away when they try to help. Last time I talked to my mom on the phone was May 22. My 26th birthday. She’s done all these things for me, and I’m that ungrateful child. My sister on the other hand she’s grateful for everything. I take things for granted. My sister calls me the best big brother. I see myself as the big brother that would bully her when we were kids.

Why am I like this? I don’t know dude. I never thought as a kid that my life would be like this. Forgive me for this y’all. I know this is not the most positive blog I’ve ever wrote but like I told y’all before, I don’t talk to nobody. So I get my feelings out this way. I know I’ll make it through this period of my life. Like the old song says, “I know somehow, I know someway, we’re gonna make it.” It’s just tough man.

The problem with writing a blog like this is that I don’t know how to end it. I guess I’ll end this with what my pastor told me some time ago in his office. He quoted the 24th Psalm “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.”

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

http://www.facebook.com/bigdusty
http://www.twitter.com/big_dusty
http://eastsideafro.podomatic.com/entry/2013-06-03T23_45_01-07_00 (the podcast)

What if you woke up and you're back in middle school again?

Cue Trust In The Lord by Fred Hammond off the Life In The Word album. Not my favorite album by Fred but it has some good songs on there tho.


Random Question. What if one day by chance you woke up and all of the sudden you’re in middle or high school again. And you know all you know now. It’s not like your mindset went back too, but you know what you know now and you wake up and you’re back in high school or middle school again. What if? Let me share the potential of what I’d do.

First, if I’d woke up and I was in middle school, because I think that’s where most of my trouble started, I’d fix to my best ability all the trouble. I’d open myself up more in school. Probably do humor from today and claim I came up with it. You know. I’d probably use all of Kevin Hart material and just roll with it. Also I’d sing more. Back then I was the shy kid that would cry when the mic came to my face. I’d show more confidence. What’s crazy is by this time I was already singing in the state choir at state conventions. But knowing me also if the wrong person say something to me, I’d be the one out bring their real future as an insult to them. So wrong I am. Also I’d clean my room to stop some of the bad habits I have now. Not saying I have bad habits now, but just in case…judging niggs…

Now’s here’s the question of questions. Would I’d still grow my hair out. I mean that’s how I got the name Dusty in the first place. 7th grade, two boys compared me to Dusty Rhodes and BAM! I think I’d still grow the hair, and take care of it better than I did. Possibly keep the braids in longer than a couple of days.

Also I’d focus on my school work more. By that I mean actually focus on my school work, because to be honest, me and school work had 0 to no relationship. So I’d actually do my homework. Which would probably give my mom in particular a heart attack. She would wonder what changed overnight, and I’d be smart and say, “I woke up thinking different.” Then give her that famous smile.

Now that I’d think about it, I would learn the value of soap. For some reason I made soap an enemy back then. Don’t judge me nigg…y’all had issues back then too.

Going back to the school work thing, I wouldn’t skip school. I don’t know why I even tried to skip school because my little big mouthed sister would hate on me from the get. And believe me that hasn’t changed. That little bra—I mean sweet little sister I got would still hate on me if she had an open door. Maybe I shouldn’t leave that door open…ah well screw it.

Of course it’s easy to say what I would do different between 1998-2005 in 2013. But here’s the point, I can’t change the past but I can dictate the future I’m going to have by the decisions I make now. I strongly believe the decisions I made back when had a lot to do with me being homeless, depressed, and all the above I’ve been through in life. It happened. Like it or not it happened. I can either learn from it or let it dictate my life now. You may not be able to go back in time and change the decisions you made back then, but you can definitely change the decisions you’re making now. Good or bad, you can make a change. It’s written that with God all things are possible. So change is definitely possible.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

Twitter: @Big_Dusty

Facebook.com/big_dusty

05/18/2013 early morning thinking

Cue My King by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise. If you haven’t got that After This album, what are you waiting for?


I got a question. Missed opportunities. What do you do when missed opportunities happen? Eminem said some years ago, you only get one shot do not miss your chance to blow cause opportunity only comes once in a lifetime…is that true? So when you miss that so called one shot, do you just give up on life at that point? Or do you move on and say ok, I messed that up. On to the next adventure, and I won’t make the same mistakes I made last time.

I’m not asking all this to sound depressed. I was watching this dude do his thing at a church and I played drums behind this dude for about 6 months while he was on the organ. As I was watching him sing on stage, I had to fight back tears thinking back on how I messed things up during my six months up there. So to not cry I had to stop watching the video and get to this blog. As y’all know this is where I let my thoughts out because I don’t talk to anybody. I have numbers I can call on my phone but I don’t call them out of fear of the reaction. I’ve painted myself as a black sheep. Notice I said I’ve painted myself as a black sheep. So with that pressure I’ve put on myself, I think nobody cares. Even when I know for a fact that is false. Anyway, so missed opportunities. What did I do after I messed up the Midwest trip? Not a thing. I didn’t do a thing. Nothing to move life forward. I took the low road. I beat myself up. Which lead to situations that I never thought in my life I would be in.

What am I saying? It’s your choice on how you handle missed opportunities in life. You can take the low road like I did, or you can keep you head up, realize you’re breathing, and work hard toward the next one. So Celebrate by Hezekiah Walker just came up on iTunes. A song that was sung where I wasted 6 months. I had to skip it. When you know your state of mind is not where it should be, you can’t give place to encourage it to get worse. You got to skip that track, change the channel, put the phone down, etc. What you feed will grow. You feed into the habit, it will grow into something worse. You feed into your faith, your faith will grow. My mom would say this often, “You eat fat greasy food, and you’ll be a fat greasy dude.” Watch who you hang around with. I know that for a fact. Here’s a story that I don’t think I’ve told yet. When I was in high school, I would hang around with a friend of mine that I’ve known since 3rd grade. And one year, he got saved. He and a couple of other friends in the same group I was hanging with got saved. So as they’re mindsets changed, my mind changed. My mannerisms changed. I know for a fact that who you hang with will influence your choices and your mindset. I don’t how I got on this subject, but I’m just saying be careful. My old pastor once said that everyone needs about 4 people around them. This going to the story in the Bible, where the lame man was outside and wanted to get in where Jesus was, so 4 other men got him to the roof of the building and dropped him through the ceiling.

So let me try to get back on topic. What do you do when you miss a chance? My opinion, again this is the opposite of what I did, but I say that you brush your shoulders off and move on. Don’t dwell on it. Keep smiling. Keep pushing. Learn from your mistakes and keep working hard. Don’t be afraid to work. Don’t be afraid. Even if you are afraid, push yourself out of that chair, couch, or bed and go on. A song I love says, “I’m going on in the name of the Lord/Reaching for my goal/my eternal life reward/God is a mighty fortress in the time of storm.” Got to take the good with the bad. I’ve heard it said with no dirt, there’s no growth.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson

Facebook.com/bigdusty

Twitter.com/big_dusty

JASON COLLINS, BRAVE? YES...COURAGEOUS? HEROIC? UM...

Cue Call On Him by Fred Hammond. This blog should come as a surprise to no one. Might as well just get to it.

So a basketball player for the Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, came out of the closet. He’s getting called brave, courageous, and a hero. I will admit that it was a brave thing to do. Why do I say it’s brave because the world is full with homophobes. Most guys don’t like to the idea of being groped by another guy, even if it’s for joking purposes. NBA is an obviously a male dominated organization. So one could imagine that there would be reservations in making a decision like Jason Collins did. So I do agree with that aspect of it.

Now. Let me get in on this courageous thing. Is it really courageous to do what’s becoming more accepted by society day by day? To me that’s not courageous…that’s more like following to me. I mean sure he’s the first active male athlete to come out the closet, but does he really deserve a cookie for this? To me the courageous part about this whole story is what Chris Broussard did. This man went on a national televised show and gave the best Christian response one could give. Saying that homosexuality is a sin and that it’s an open rebellion against God…that my friends was courageous. Going against what the media and government calls heroic takes courage, and didn’t use one homophobic slur.

I’ve seen a lot of posts comparing Tim Tebow to Jason Collins. Basically because Tebow stands for Jesus Christ and get’s bashed and made fun of for it. Jason Collins comes out the closet, and is probably going to get a national holiday named after him by the Obamas who say they’re Christian. I’m going to let that settle…

Now I’m not going to say that Jason Collins should be kicked out the league for his sexual orientations because what you do in the bed room doesn’t affect your performance on the court. It might affect if you go on the court, Magic Johnson, but---huh? What?

Let me say this, gay, lesbian…that doesn’t affect any skill on the court. Brittney Griner being a lesbian and Jason Collins being gay should not affect if they’re allowed to play ball or not. If you think so, please go on somewhere.

Also I saw a tweet saying that if you are against homosexuality, you are a hypocrite. Um, quick question because I admit I can be ignant at times. How in the—can one be a hypocrite being against homosexuality? Please lets me know in the comment section. Being against homosexuals, the person, is hypocritical, but not the lifestyle itself. People are against the hiphop lifestyle, and by people I mean every COGIC church ever. People are against the rock in roll lifestyle. People are against a criminal’s lifestyle. People are against a pimp’s lifestyle. Again, I want to know how being against homosexuality is hypocritical. Please lets me further know.

Homosexuality does not affect performance outside the bedroom. Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of the folks that say homosexuality is wrong. I’m one of the folks that say homosexuality is a sin. Also I’m one of the folks that has his own issues, or sins, that I struggle with. I heard a preacher say that if you want to be delivered, stop conversating about it. Get away from it. God will give you the strength to deal with it, if you want to be delivered. I heard a preacher say that if you want to be delivered, God can and will deliver. Why is it that when we know we’re wrong, we don’t seek to be delivered? Take it to the Lord, and leave it there. We take it to the Lord but then we take it back with us…yep.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson
http://Facebook.com/bigdusty
http://twitter.com/big_dusty
http://youtube.com/danielakabigd

THE LORD IS REAL TO ME

Cue Amen by Kurt Carr. First time really hearing this track. Just put the ipod on shuffle and this song came on. It’s sad that I forget what’s on my ipod, ain’t it? Welp.

So originally this blog was going to be one of those depressing blogs. One of those blogs where I’m preaching to myself but I act like I’m in the spirit and talking to somebody that may be reading. Yeah. One of those blogs where I act like I’m deep and some of you actually buy it. Ok here’s what happened after a conversation on the phone which most of you know I hate to do. I hate talking on the phone with a passion. A PASSIONATE HATRED for talking on the phone. So after this conversation I was pissed off and down in the dumps. We talking land fill dumps. No lie, it was dangerous. We had to go to Bible Study and thank God my sister drove. Not saying I wouldn’t have done anything but who knows, right? So my little sister saw I was feeling a little down. She asked me if I was alright, and I told her the truth and said I wasn’t. So she drove to church. Which despite of how I was feeling, I ended up teaching Bible Study. Um, what? How? I was obedient and taught Bible study a lesson that I did not study, by the way. That’s the kind of stuff that blows my mind about God. I mean you hear and read in the Bible that he used a donkey and a rooster, but never really…you know? I mean after I acted like a jackass, there I am…again, what?

So after Bible Study, I started feeling a little better. I mean you hear it said that when you walk into the building your mood should change but never really believe—am I the only one? It had to be nothing but God. He’s real.

Why was I down, you ask? Why was I feeling depressed? I could go religious and say the devil was influencing my mind, but I don’t know for sure if that’s the case. I mean ok, God doesn’t bring depression, so I guess by default....but honestly, you don’t hear me saying the devil is influencing the thoughts that I have, because I don’t hear anybody telling me what to think or what to say. Ok, I look at it like this, the Bible says in Proverbs, that death and life lies in the power of the what? Tongue, right? So in essence I was speaking death on the situation I was in. Not going to say what was I thinking on this blog, but this is not the time or the place, but just know it wasn’t necessarily “power positive thinking” if you will. Like some folks, I don’t post everything I’m feeling on FaceBook. BOOM!  Anymore…moving on.

Of course our thoughts and prayers are with the folks affected by the Boston bombing. We are getting closer to the end. If you are saved, definitely stay saved. If you’re on the line of I want to be saved, but I don’t want to give up this or that…time to make your decision. Jesus is soon to come. The Bible says, that God would rather you be hot or cold. If you’re lukewarm, he’ll spit you out. This is not the time to be lukewarm. Get right church and let’s go home.

Stay saved,

Daniel Richerson
Facebook.com/bigdusty
Twitter: @Big_Dusty

DON'T PUT YOUR OPINION ON TRUTH

Cue Rejects by Lecrae. Let me apologize for the time between blogs. Believe me that wasn’t the plan, but either way here I am.

I got to thinking, and I may be wrong, but that’s where y’all can chime in. I’ve blogged on gays and Lesbians. Controversially I might add. And by now I’m sure most of us know about the folks that protest funerals and other stuff saying “God Hates Fags” at the same time claiming to be Christians. So that’s just a backstory before i post my thoughts here. IF God really hated gay folk, then why are they still around? Why does the creator of the world allow the people that practice homosexuality to breathe? See where I’m going? I’m just trying to understand the logic here. If God, master of all things, creator of the Universe, hated a certain group of people, then one would figure God would have took them out, right? Or is it like God makes them suffer through the bullying and Aids as punishment for being gay? Again I’m just trying to understand.

Now here’s what I do believe. I believe the Bible is right. John 3:16. We know it. We quote it. “For God so LOVED the WORLD, that He gave his only begotten Son, that WHOsoever believeth on Him SHALL not perish but have everlasting life.” And if you are Christian, or claim to be a Christian, then the Bible is your manual. It’s what you live by. You can’t live by what you want to live by from the Bible. If you going to believe the Bible, then believe the Bible for what it says. So to say God hates gay folks would make God and his word a lie. I believe it’s written in Numbers that God is not a man that He should lie, neither the Son of man that he should repent. That’s the word. I do believe the practice of homosexuality is a sin. Because it’s written in the Bible that if a man lies with a man as he lays with a woman it is an abomination. I will not say that I’ve read the Bible as whole, but I read nowhere in the word of God that God hates the folks who practice the sins. If you have read that, please let me know book, chapter, and verse.

We got to stop putting on own personal opinions dictate what God thinks. We got to stop letting our own personal opinions dictate what the Bible says. The word of God is truth all by itself. Preach the Word and let the Word do the work. The truth shall make you free. Opinions don’t make anybody free, opinions causes battles. Opinions cause internet wars. It ain’t worth it. I learned that you can win more people if you present the unfiltered truth, and not your own opinion. You want to save this generation? Tell them the truth. Raw. Keep it real, no pun intended due to the title of this blog site. People can see past bull crap. This generation sees past bull crap. You can’t bull crap this generation like you could in the past. Bring the truth. Unfiltered. Raw. Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

Let me end by saying this, I’m glad God doesn’t hate you for your sins. If that was the case, I’d be dead right now. I’m serious. I’m so glad God is a forgiving and merciful God. I’m glad that God does care. And God does love us when the world hates us. I’m glad for God’s grace. I’m glad that if one truly wants to be delivered that they can be. Cast all your cares upon Jesus. He’s truly able so just leave them there. Cast all your cares upon him. Here’s another thing if God truly hated folks for they’re wrong then why in the world did he use Paul and Peter like he did? Please explain that to me? Paul was Saul who was killing Christians. Peter was crazy. God used them majorly. But according to a group of folks that claim to be followers of God, claim God hates folks who practice homosexuality. If God hated them, then Donnie McClurkin would not be where he is right now. He said it himself that he was struggling with the practice of gay. So I’m not out of line when I bring him up. Donnie is profound in the Gospel music industry. Gospel music is, or at least supposed to be, God’s music. So if God hated them, then there’s no way Donnie McClurkin would be where he is right now. Pastoring a church? I thought God hated them. I know the Bible is right, somebody’s wrong.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson aka Big dusty
Twitter and Instagram @Big_Dusty
Facebook.com/bigdusty

WHAT CLOTHES YOU WEARING?

Cue He’ll Welcome Me by John P. Kee. Old School…one of the kings of the gospel music industry. And I move on—

So I was watching TBN Praise The Lord, also trying to work on a story that I’m working on. This point of the story the character is starting to feel guilty of all the stuff that’s happening in current situation. So then I started thinking about, this is how random my mind is, started thinking why is it so hard to get people into praise into Praise and Worship. Is it the clothes I’m wearing or not wearing? Is it the fact that I’m not hitting the right notes or I’m not singing the song correctly? I think it’ all comes down to people come in Sunday after Sunday expecting a show. Expecting for us as Praise and Worship leaders to kill ourselves for their enjoyment. A favorite line we as Praise and Worship leaders use is, “I’m not here to pump or prime you…” which is a line that hardly ever works by the way. Pump or primed? Why should we kill ourselves to get you to do what you were created to do anyway? Now if I could dance like a B. Slade or the late Michael Jackson or Sammy Davis, Jr. maybe I could garner a better reaction. But it irks me to no end when a praise and worship leader goes up on the stage and the congregation sits down and crosses arms and legs as if we’re supposed to impress them? Coming to church to be experienced not to experience the God in the church. Stay home with your attitude. Spirits transfer, people. Rather you believe or not. You acting or high and mighty is not only hindering the spirit, but it’s hindering the aints that walk in, also.

So then I come to Ephesians 6:11, “Put on all the armour that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks.” Some of us worry about what we’re going to wear day by day, but what about clothes that important? The armor of God. The Devil is going to steal, kill, and destroy. That’s what he does and that’s what he’s going to do. The problem is we don’t have the right clothes on to stand against his tactics. Which is why we can’t break habits. It’s sad when you come to a church service unarmed. Ephesians 6:12, “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.” So what the person you usually sit beside talked bad about you or gave you a dirty look. Put on the right clothes.

Recently, I had about a couple of months worth of being the praise and worship leader at church. It was ok. But due to the reaction I got from the people in attendance, I thought I sucked every Sunday. I go up on the pulpit, and you could hear a pin drop. And the eyes looked like they were burning a hole through my soul. That’s how it felt. Trust me, I learned that you don’t do Praise and Worship for the reaction, but a good pat on the back some time is not a bad thing, right? I admit, more than a couple of Sundays, I was off my game, if you will. I was uncomfortable. Why? One, I didn’t do my part. My clothing attire was not correct, and by that I mean spiritual armor. Two, the atmosphere was not right. Sprit of heaviness in the atmosphere makes it tough for the flow of the service. Go to verse 13, ”So put on God's armour now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.” Just sayin…

So as of this blog I now have no job. I got fired 1/28/2013. I didn’t have an emotional reaction to it. As a matter of fact my manager took it harder than I did. But that’s beside the point. So now comes job hunting again. Been down this road before. Expecting bigger and better things. Hopefully better money this time around. Definitely asking for prayers in that regard. Basically all I’m saying for this blog, is put on the right clothes. Stop putting all the pressure on the Praise and Worship leader or the Pastor for you to get your praise on. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise. We do our part, God will do His.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram
Facebook.com/bigdusty

A Glass of Finally

Cue A Glass of Finally by B. Slade. I don’t care what y’all think about him, the man is one of the baddest singers of all time. ALL TIME, that’s what I said.

This blog literally came out of nowhere. It was during altar call at church, 1/27/13, and I was a little miffed at the patience of some folks, but either way, I was standing at my post, and all of the sudden, the song A Glass of Finally hit my head. I liked the song when I first heard, it but then the lyrics started speaking to me in a sense, and giving God a Finally Praise just hit me. Before I go on, I’m not saying B. Slade was going this direction in the least, but it’s the way I’m going with it.

You’ve heard the song, After This by Youthful Praise, talking about the Glory after whatever you’re going through. Ever get that feeling though like after your miracle, like that finally! “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally me. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally free!” I feel like once we get that break through, of whatever it is, we should just praise God like we’re loose. The problem is we’re bound by what’s not even there. The storm is over; praise God like it’s over. Some of y’all need a glass of Finally to wake you up. You are free.

A song I attempted to sing some Sundays ago goes, “After while, it’ll all be over/After while the sun will shine.” The sun is shining for some of us, and we’re still stuck in the darkness. Walk in the light. Walk in the Word. One of the first Bible verses I’ve ever learned says, “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” The Word says you’re free. The Word says you’re healed. So, what’s the problem? Vickie Winans says, shake yourself loose. The chains are already unlocked for you to be loose, just walk in it, believe it, and go wild.

I know I got to do better. I’m not a dancer, and never will claim to be. It was this past Sunday Night, 1/20/2013, and I was a little light in my feet.  The anointing was so strong in Zion Tabernacle COGIC. And I didn’t do anything. I just let it pass. That could’ve been my night. That could’ve been my glass of finally. I was worried about what people would do. How people would act. How people will respond. This probably comes from watching church folks act the same way my whole life. When that glass of finally comes, when that breakthrough comes, don’t let it pass by. If you got to jump, jump. If you got to yell, yell. Don’t let the looks of jealous people affect your praise. They don’t know what you’ve been through. You’re finally free. Celebrate. It’s been a long time coming. A real long time coming for some of us, so when you’re finally get made free, why not celebrate? Let loose. Forget the jealous folk. Forget the judgers. Get yours.

Now, I’m not saying the next time I’m light on my feet, I’m going to go crazy, but I’m just saying what we should do. They say praise God when you feel like and when you don’t feel like it. Do we?

Continue to pray for yours truly and I’ll continue to pray for y’all. I pray that you got something out of it. I hope you feel free to share this around to your peoples. And if you got something to say, you’ll comment the blog.

Stay Saved/Get saved,

Big Dusty aka Daniel Richerson
Twitter and Instagram @Big_Dusty
Facebook.com/bigdusty
Youtube.com/danielakabigd

BLOG FOR THE DEPRESSED AND STRESSED

Cue That Ain’t Nothin by Fred Hammond. Double negatives…nothing negative about the song though. BLOG!

Some of us are just waiting for that release that Donald Lawrence talking about. Stressed and worn out because of the job, family, and/or church. Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” I’ve been saying this for years on podcasts and on these blogs. Let Go and Let God. The holla you feel like doing. That dance you feel in your feet. Let go. That might be your release right there. I don’t know about your church but when I go to church my pastor always tells us to praise like we lost our minds and we give God a clap. And a quiet, “Hallelujah.” Yeah, that’s losing your mind. We are all going through something. So we have no right to judge your praise. I have no right to judge your praise. If I ever truly let go I probably wouldn’t be in half the pickles I put myself in. Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  When you hear folks say Give it to Jesus, it’s more than a good saying. It’s a command to help you get out of that depression and to relieve that stress. I heard Marvin Sapp say one time that Praise is a stress reliever. We continue to give God what we call praise and wonder why we’re still stressed and depressed. Let Go and let God.

1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” If nobody else cares, God does. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a time where the Saints of the most high God be so stressed out and depressed. What if we tried to cast our care upon Jesus? What if we tried to praise God like we lost our minds? Song says, “Have you tried, Jesus? He’s all right.” You try drugs, late night YouTube videos, alcohol, or whatever else you think lightens up the pressure of the world, yet we put Jesus last. Why? Try Jesus first some time. You may be surprised. He just may work.

Don’t be ashamed to be saved. Don’t be ashamed to be a church boy or church girl. Don’t be ashamed to be a Jesus fan. If you’re like me, you’re around dirty talk all day. And you feel like I can’t live saved around this. I can’t live right around that. I can’t stay saved in this environment. Song says, “Though trials come on every hand, I feel like going on.” Test and trials come to make us, what? Strong. The more you hold on and stay saved, the stronger you become. If Steve Harvey can try the Word of God and have it work for him…what’s your excuse?

I may never make it as a YouTube celebrity. I may never become a bestselling author. I may never record a Grammy worthy single or album. I may never learn how to play a lead guitar or organ. I may never get married. I may never be skinny. I may never be somebody’s love interest. I may never get another comment on these blogs ever again. I may never get another pat on the back. I just know that after all the stuff I’ve done in my life, I’m still here. I just know that God cares for me. I just know that only what I do for Christ will last. I just know that I have a purpose because if there wasn’t a purpose for me, I wouldn’t be here typing this blog. I’ve been depressed and stressed over stuff that doesn’t make any sense. I’m just telling what I know. I’ve been lonely with family around me. I’m a child of God. God is the king of kings and Lord or Lords. God is ruler over everything. He said that He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. So if my dreams never become fulfilled, I got to know I’m living to please God. I’m living for that well done thy good and faithful servant. I’m living to serve.

Don’t get me wrong. I want some of those things listed above to happen in my life, but it’s not the end all be all. I don’t know if I’m right on any of this. I may be wrong. I may be out of my mind. John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:  but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” That was Jesus talking.  Somebody asked me at work what do I do on my spare time, I told her about the blogs, and she asked me about verses in the Bible about overcoming stress and depression. I didn’t know how to answer, but this gay guy that says some of the dirtiest stuff I’ve ever heard spat out some verses. I guess if God can use a donkey…either way. I guess this blog is just my response to her and to anybody else that may be going through stress and or depression.

Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
Twitter and Instagram @Big_Dusty
Facebook.com/bigdusty

JOY AND FAITH, WHERE IT IS?

Cue A Testimony by Rodnie Bryant...one of my Dad’s favorite songs. I can see him nodding his head now.
The saints in 2012 are some spoiled individuals. I say that because we ask God for stuff and when he does it we are so ungrateful. I’ve been in services where one testified about receiving the Holy Ghost, and the reaction was basically no reaction. One would expect a church to erupt in praise in celebration, yet the church had a la di da attitude. I don’t know this for sure, so don’t quote me on this, but I’m willing to bet that’s why your blessing hasn’t come yet. You’re so la di da with your expectation and your celebration of other’s miracles. I bet if we start to praise God like we truly expect a miracle, they would come. Tell me I’m wrong. I know there’s some famous catchphrase coming for 2013 but how about right now we truly get the spirit of expectations and stop all this hating and doubting.
I wrote a blog over 3 years ago entitled No Joy, No Strength, No Faith No Strength.  Over the years I feel the church has lost it’s joy and faith. I believe the Bible says that without Faith it’s impossible to please God. So, maybe if we start pleasing God with our faith, then we’ll see our prayers answered. By the way, whether you know it or not, whether you believe or not, God is answering prayers right now. I know for a fact He is. Why? Cause I’m still here. I haven’t lost my mind. Somebody is praying for me. And I’ve seen folks with cancer get healed. God is working miracles. You just got to believe. One thing I can’t stand is a dead church service. I’m telling you, if folks would come in the church with expectancy, and joy...we would have some good church every Sunday. The problem is we put all the pressure on the Praise and Worship leader, the MC of the service, or the speaker of the hour. Dang y’all know how to put some pressure on folks. Praise and Worship leaders aren’t supposed to pump and prime you. Other than my blood pressure, that’s probably what’s making me tired all the time. Moving on.
Faith without works is dead. Walk in it. Believe it. Work the faith. Other people can’t work your faith for you. We can work it with you but not for you. Declare it. Praise Him for it. It always could be worse so stop living like it is worse. You’re not dead. Inhale and exhale. Let everything that hath breath Praise ye the Lord.
Let me tell you something about me. I love hearing people be proud of me. I love when people cheer me on. Imagine if we made God proud of us. I know we’re waiting to hear Well Done thy good and faithful servant, but imagine if God talked about us and said, “Well Done,” before we went to Heaven. Wow. I don’t know about you, but that’s awesome to me.
Hope you got something out of this. Hope you share it with your folks. Don’t be a scared to leave a comment on the blog. I don’t bite. Anymore….long time ago. Let it go.
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram
Facebook.com/bigdusty

WE GOT TO LOVE PEOPLE IN AND STOP HATING PEOPLE OUT

Cue Work On Me by Tonex now known as B. Slade. It’s been a long time, shouldn’t have left you without a dope blog to read and linger on…what? OOOOOOOHHHHH, here it goes!

One of the phrases I used to use a lot is “don’t judge me.” Don’t judge. God’s grace and mercy is the reason I’m still here today. After I’ve messed up time and time again, I’m still able to type these blogs up or lead Praise and Worship at church or stuff like that. It’s like thank God, He is God and not any of us. Ironic I picked B. Slade to write this blog because the church has turned their back on this man because he came out e closet some time ago. Besides praying for this brother, and trying to cast out demons, we as a whole called him every homophobic name in the book and razzed this man for his sin being exposed. It could’ve been any of us. Most of us got secrets that nobody knows about it, and what if we got exposed? It’s  because of God’s grace and mercy that it wasn’t us. We could’ve got exposed and what if we got byrated as bad as Anthony Williams did? I’m openly admitting that I’m praying for you B. Slade, not writing this blog to open up old wounds. I’m writing this blog to judge anybody, because I don’t want my dirt getting exposed and giving folks the open door to openly ridicule me and call me anything but a child of God knowing that they have secrets of they’re own. One of the things my dad used to say to me is, “One shouldn’t throw rocks in a glass house.”  Meaning that if you know you got secrets, don’t bash anyone else when their dirty secrets get exposed.

 Like when Tye Tribbett and Da Truth had the situation some time ago. Google or Bing it if you don’t know. God has forgiven Tye and Truth, why can’t we? Probably still folks out there calling Truth and Tribbett adulterers, and everything else. I know I can’t watch a Donnie McClurkin video on YouTube without somebody calling him gay. Even though, I believe that he’s been delivered. But Donnie had a couple of instances that he went strongly, some would say too strong, against homosexuality. People still bash Donnie for being a homophobe, and being a “closeted homo.” I don’t get it. Why do we as “saints” always want to play God and judge folks for their past mistakes. I mean we weigh it on them so heavy, that they leave the church. We hate people out the church, when the Bible says with Love and Kindness have I drawn them. We’re supposed to love people in but we’re too busy hating people out. Some clips I watch on YouTube all the time, is Steve Harvey on TBN. I cry just about everytime and my little sister teases me for it all the time. Steve’s gratitude for God is inspiring. Then Steve talks about how people in the church are so evil when one tries to go to them to help. We sing that song, or used to sing to that song, “To be like Jesus, oh how I long to be like Him.” Yet we’re so unlike Jesus when somebody tells us what’s going on in their life we expose it and spread it. Stop hating people out the church. Hating people not just out of curch but hating people out of life in general.

I don’t smile much. I always look mean. People tell me that all the time. People have told my sister this all the time. If I’m really tired or if I don’t want to be somewhere, trust me, you’ll know. I admit, I don’t walk around with a smile on my face all the time. Probably explain my lack of real friends, phone calls, instagram facebook and twitter feedback, and other things. Can’t draw people with a negative attitude and/or negative appearance. I will openly admit here on my blog that positive people are annoying to me. I admit that I want to trip people that are always happy just to see a different emotion. But as much as those always happy positive people annoy me, I do believe those are the people with backstories that you wouldn’t believe. So the Lord is working on me with all that. I guess what I’m trying to say in this to stop hating people out and start loving people in.

Don’t let the fact that you hate your surroundings, dictate the way you treat people are the way you present yourself. I heard Todd Hall say one time that if you praise God in the place where you hate, He will show up in your surrounds and fix it. So I go in to my job with a praise. Issac Carree has a song out talking about Praise God in the middle of it. Praise God in the middle of it, why? Because as was preached at my church, Sunday, the After while is coming soon. Most of us are so close to that breakthrough, so close to finishing the race, we just got to hold on.  Old song says, Hold on, change is coming, hold on don’t worry about a thing. Hold on, you can make it, Hold on, everything’s going to be all right. Time to start believing what we’re singing about. God has been telling us for a while that we’re going to make it. Time to believe it.

Stay  Saved,

Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram
Facebook.com/bigdusty

Thoughts at 4:30 in the morning...

Cue Turning Around For Me by Vashawn Mitchell.

Just thinking about some things and talking to God as well. I have people on my mind all the time. I have certain people that I’ve come to love on my mind all the time. I started wondering about as much as I think about them, am I even on their brain? Like as much as I’m thinking about them, do they ever have a thought about me? Do they even love me as much as I love them? Do we love God as much as He loves us? Do we think about God as much as God thinks of us? Think about it. God always has us on his mind, why? For one, we’re still here. His grace and mercy proves that he’s think about us. But do we think about him? Is God even on our brain?

Why is it that when I pour out my heart it’s not well received? Why is it when I tell that certain female how I feel about her, it seems like I get pitied like I’m a middle schooler trying to go after a college student? Times like these, I thank God that He’s not like man. You pour out your heart to God, and He actually listens. He actually cares about what you think. Thank God He responds when you pour out your heart to Him.

I wasn’t even going to do this blog because I had nothing. Nobody asked me to do a blog so I figured why continue to do them? But Steve Harvey said something one time, “A gift is something you do well with the least amount of effort.” Blogging is something that I felt like I was good at. Letting thoughts flow from my head to my hands to the computer has really never been difficult for me to do. Now I have learned what thoughts to put down and what thoughts just to leave in the brain. But it’s like I was letting this thing that I can do die because nobody wanted to see it utilized. How many people have let gifts and talents die because of the initial response? Most people are not going to like what you do. Judging by the responses to my blogs, I can assume that most of the folks I’m connected to through social media don’t like my stuff, but that shouldn’t stop me from doing what I’m good at, know what I mean? The more I do these the better I can get at them. If I stop doing them, I can’t become better. I just become worse. I love playing the drums, but my time of playing the set, I don’t do much. But just about every time I get on a set, I get better. One of the major things that hinder me on the set is doubting myself. Every time I doubt myself on the set, I play like that little boy that plays after church and gets told to get off. Doubted my skills on the blogging, hence no blogs in weeks. Doubt is a hindrance. It hinders you from doing what you know you can do. Don’t let doubt take over. Have confidence in what you know you can do, and just do it. Now, please know what you’re good at. Don’t be like these folks on American Idol and other shows like that and go on and say, “I know I can sing. I know I can sang,” and end up sounding so bad that you’d rather listen to static on radio. That’s why I said KNOW what you’re good at. Have confidence but also have common sense.

Sometimes you think about a person and that person doesn’t even know your first name. If you’re like me and care about people that don’t seem to really care about you, I say keep on caring. Don’t let their attitude affect yours. Family Matters, remember that show? Steve Urkel cared about Laura, but Laura didn’t care about Steve for the most part. Of course later on in the series, Steve and Laura ended up together, but the point I’m trying to make is Steve didn’t let Laura’s attitude affect his. Keep on caring. Keep on thinking about people and praying for them. If you let them know that you’re thinking about them and they brush you off, keep on doing what you’re doing. I’ve had that happened to me time and time, but they’re still on my mind, and I’m still praying for them. Keep on keeping on because they’re on your mind for a reason.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Big_Dusty
Facebook.com/bigdusty

WHEN NO ONE PATS YOU ON THE BACK, WHAT NEXT?

Cue Make Me New by Mali Music. This song has ministered to me in such a way…not even playing. It’s like I’m tripping a lot, but God I’m just asking you to make me new. Wash my heart, Wash my hands. I want to worship You. Check it out if you haven’t heard it...BLOG!

What do you do when no one gives you a pat on a back? What do you do when no one says, “You did good” or “I enjoyed you.” What do you do when no one gives you any congrats whatsoever? It’s easy to say, “I’m doing this for the Lord” because we’ve been trained to say that. “To God be the glory.” “Pray for me.” You know the stuff they train you to say. While at the same time you’re looking for that one indication that what you did was good. You’re looking for somebody to love what you did. What do you do if none of that comes? Do you quit doing what you do? Do you just quit, period?

I think it starts with the mind. Your mind has to be in the right place. You got to love yourself. You got to know what and who you’re doing it for. Whatever that it is. When it comes to your job, you know, you may not be perfect, but look at it this way, you haven’t been fired. So stop being down on yourself. Continue to do what you do, and if you need to do better, your managers should help you. If you feel you need to do better, do it. I was talking to a young buck today about second chances. I was telling him God gives you chance after chance to get saved and get your soul right. Once you’re dead, your chances are through. Now back to your job. Day after day you’re not fired, that’s another chance to do better. It’s a sad thing when you know what to do, but you stick to what’s been “working.” Just because you haven’t been caught yet doesn’t make it right.

When it comes to church, you have to know that you’re doing what you’re doing for God and nobody else. Not for the pastor. Not for the mother of the church. Not for the minister of music. Only what you do for Christ will last, right? You want to hear God say well done, right? So why not just worry that God gets the glory? That’s what it’s all about. As long as God gets the glory. That’s why they tell you to say, “To God be the Glory” or “Pray for me” when somebody gives you that pat on the back, to stay humble. Maybe the reason you don’t get that much pats on the back from people is because God doesn’t want you to get a big head. Nothing worse in the church than a guy who’s full of himself. Keep your head up. As long as what you did gave God the glory and it wasn’t for a show, then it’s all good. If you did it for a reaction, then you need to check yourself. Bottom line.

Don’t get me wrong though, it’s awesome to know that someone enjoyed what you did. If someone was touched through what you did. I do believe that some of it has to do with the love that we have for ourselves. Some of us just don’t love ourselves like we should. I’m not talking about weight or anything like that. I’m a firm believer that you can have extra weight on you and not hate yourself. I’m talking about the believing in yourself kind of love. If you don’t believe in yourself, how do you expect others to? If you don’t love yourself, how do you expect others to? Your life does not depend on your posse because if that was the case, I’d been dead. I have no posse, but that’s a different blog. Anyway, I think it also comes with do unto others as you want others to do unto you. You want to be loved, you got to love. You want to people to talk to you; you have to talk to people. You reap what you sow. Sow love, you’ll reap love. Sow congrats, you’ll reap congrats. Sow feedback, you’ll reap feedback.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram
Facebook.com/bigdusty

HE CAN, HANDLE IT!

Ok I was going to post the lyrics to It's Been Awhile by Staind because you know it has been some weeks since I've done this and you know I figured it would fit...THEN I googled the lyrics....yeah, not even close to the situation here. Moving on...Cue--actually, right now I'm watching Think Like A Man. It's a great movie. Kevin Hart is who you would want him to be in this movie, Kevin Hart.

So just a little update, I'm finally doing some job searching after months of saying, "I hate this job," and doing nothing about it. Now here's the hard part, the heck am I searching for? Short term goals? What would I be willing to do? Where am I willing to go? Good questions. Very good questions....don't judge me, ok? All this just doesn't happen in an instant. Process people. Not the process you put in the hair, but the process that is also called steps. Taking steps. Steps...are what...I...am taking.

Now, another thing I've been thinking about. Personal stuff. Like when things don't go the way we want them to, whether it's a job or a relationship, do we really believe God knows what he's doing? Do we really believe that God has the best for us? That's what I'm learning. I've been in love, or thought I was in love with a couple of women in my lifetime, and nothing. Most of my former classmates, married and doing the dang thing. Being 25 now, I figured my life would be so much further ahead than it actually is. You know what? Maybe it should be. The reason I'm not there yet, is not God's fault. It's my fault. In a race, it's important to stay in your lane. Some of our problems is, we get try to take detours. We put in our own road blocks. We see other people thriving and we become spirtual rubber neckers slowing down our own personal traffic or walk. So back to the woman thing for just a sec. Maybe the one I think is the one, may be the one---for someone else. You know? Giving God control, literally means giving God control. I remember watching Steve Harvey on TBN one night and he was talking about a particular situation that happened in his life and then he said, "This was the first time I ever just let God handle it." Old song by Kirk Franklin says, "It really doesn't matter what you're going through. Just call on Jesus, He'll work it out for you. His yoke his easy, and his burden's light. Just give it to Jesus, He'll make it all right. He can handle it!" Just sayin...to you and to me. Let go. Let God.

Stay Saved,

Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
@Big_Dusty on Twitter and Instagram
Facebook.com/bigdusty

RUNNING FOR OR FROM?

Cue Jesus At The Center by Israel and New Breed. Let’s do this! Let’s do this!

“I’ve been running for Jesus a long time, and I’m not tired yet.” Y’all ever heard that song. It’s not a song that will be on my iPod at ever, but it’s a song that plays on the radio a lot. Probably one of those good clichés to say in church to get a reaction. Anyway, I got to thinking. While some of us are running for Jesus, a lot of us are running from Jesus. Running from what we are called to do in the Kingdom. Running from what we are chosen to do in the Kingdom. Why do people run? Fear. Fear of losing friends. Fear of family members not believing in you. Fear of how you’re going to even start walking in the calling that God has for you. Believe me, I understand…

I believe that there comes a time where we have to make a decision. Are we going to keep hiding or are we going to finally embrace? How long will we ignore the signs? How many times does God have to keep changing the way he’s telling us what to do? He’s basically telling us the same thing every time, but it’s just changing the presentation. Some of us already got what God desires for us, but we continue run because of fear of the unknown. Believe me, I understand…

For the past few weeks, I’ve been asking God to rejuvenate my life. To recharge my battery. To create new in my life. Why? Because I felt like my life was moving slow as ever. Nothing was happening. Life felt like nothing but routines. I wasn’t living. I was just following a routine. I was sick of the routine. I was asking God to do something that will spark my life. I was asking God to send someone to spark my life. You know? I was just so sick of the same of stuff, I felt like God please! Change the routine! Maybe I was bored because I was running from something. Bored at my mind because I was ignoring instruction. Maybe?

I just feel like God is saying to me and maybe to someone out there reading this to stop running. Stop running from what God has for you. Stop running from your calling. Especially if you know what you’re called to do. You think those dreams and visions you’re having are just visions and dreams? You think it’s an accident that you can do what you can do? Old song we used to sing says, “Yes to your will. Yes to your way. Lord I’ll serve you for the rest of my days.” Personally, I make that proclamation. Anybody else? My way is not working. I don’t know about y’all. My way is not working at all. Bored. Stuck. Not moving. Running from—it’s not working.

I’m 25 years old. I’m an adult now. No use to be 25 years old with a child-like mindset. Time to grow up. Put away childish things. When you get people being able to tell that you’re a child of God through a phone call? Time to stop running. God, I say yes to your will. Yes to your way. Lord I’ll serve you for the rest of my days.

Stay saved,

Daniel Richerson aka Big Dusty
@Big_Dusty on Twitter
Facebook.com/bigdusty