WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS

FRIENDSHIP

It was during a phone conversation with a person who I 'd known for over 30 years that I considered to be "a  friend" during a debate we were having concerning a mutual friend, when he blurted out "Shelle I'm not your friend!!!  Granted... it had been awhile since we had talked or even seen one another but it was just me who over the years assumed that since we'd shared lots of secrets;early on had one chance encounter with sex, but the relationship remained platonic. Which led me to assume all these years it was safe to refer to him as "my friend."  It hurt me so bad that in the moment,  I just hung up the phone on him. Blocked him on social media, and deleted his number from my contacts.  To some that might seem extreme, but for me it was a shock!  How did I misjudge who I thought was friend, he wasn't an enemy I knew too much about his life to call him an acquaintance; or Was I just that lame? 

MERRIAM-WEBSTER UNABRIDGED

Definition of friend1a: one attached to another by affection or esteemShe's my best friend.b: ACQUAINTANCE2a: one that is not hostileIs he a friend or an enemy?b: one that is of the same nation, party, or groupshowbiz friends3: one that favors or promotes something (such as a charity)this trend has alarmed friends of the liberal arts— Raymond WaltersThe friends of the library will host a fund-raiser.4: a favored companion5capitalized : a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war
— called also Quaker

 What's the difference between friends and acquaintances?

People often distinguish between an acquaintance and a friend, holding that the former should be used primarily to refer to someone with whom one is not especially close. Many of the earliest uses of acquaintance were in fact in reference to a person with whom one was very close, but the word is now generally reserved for those who are known only slightly.

Acquaintance is often found paired with nodding. Although nodding acquaintance sounds like it describes a person who is known just enough to nod at, it tends to be used instead to refer to a thing or field with which one has a small amount of knowledge or familiarity (and this is the meaning that the phrase has had since its introduction to the language in the early 19th century).

It  made me re-examine many of the folks in my circle of love maybe, my feelings were hurt because it was a hidden truth about me GOD was about to reveal. I remember another friend who told me many years ago that I looked at the world through rose colored glasses, chasing rainbows. That was in 1987, being young and fine I laughed at that notion because I always prided myself as being on top of everything and very well read on all subjects; topics, and all the latest fashions. It must be some truth to the saying "Ignorance is bliss," so I been told, but my firsthand knowledge is even one better.

Years, passed away since my friend spoke those words and that friend had long died too, so I never had the opportunity to tell them how right they were about my false perspective on life in general.  It took some years for me see clearer after being betrayed by both male and female friends, used, and verbally & emotionally abused with intimate friends to snap out of it and remove those rose colored lenses while going through the storms of life. I realized that  there was not just one individual but many who had watched me go through that journey, not many who stuck by me during those times. 

Long before the internet, social media networks, and contacts were a thing I use to surround myself with lots and lots of people I called them "friends" throwing wild birthday bashes at the club, cook outs spending lots of money on me and my female posse. We'd be glammed up and turn those parties out. Traveling. During those days, money was never an issue needless to say friends were plentiful with a few to spare, but when I got into trouble financially and had to go to my grandmother for counsel and support she asked me "where are all those friends at now?"  Good question, that I had no prepared answer.  Of course that's when she gave me the best advice ever to this day I still rely heavily on her words people will come and go but the one person, place or thing that's always consistence is GOD!

Grandma said simply..."TRUST GOD"...

John 15:12-15

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

May God continue to bless you, #SHOWSOMELOVE
@Lovleeannwise 2022   all rights reserved

"The Great Fall"

"The Great Fall"

It's 2022!

A World without Boundaries

The Information Age 

Knowledge is Power and the prerequisite to Man's Destruction in this Final Age.

Alpha and Omega 

Death was the only Promise made by GOD in the Garden of Eden when he warned Adam his 1st son not to part take of the Trees in the midst of the garden..

Yet curiosity killed the cat, in our case it was an inheritance forfeited in ignorance. 

Even though GOD knew Man had been fooled he made provisions for his survival through time. Based on his obedience.

To this date, we still continue to "Fall" short of HIS Glory, and Divine Will for us his Children. 

We are "The Kingdom" on Earth

While we seek out a Vengeful GOD to destroy Earth, we fail to look at ourselves and how we treat the EARTH and the fullness thereof; we fail to to take in consideration the prejudices we hold against our own flesh and blood Sisters and Brothers in Christ.

Each One of Us belong to GOD.

Somehow we preach prosperity, and tell the world how we love GOD, but fail to deliver each and every time. We often put our own selfishness ahead of being kind and empathetic toward someone outside our tribal community. Then we have different Status Levels within those tribes or groups we tend to call friends and family.

Ignoring the commandments of GOD, his blueprint to prevent repeating the same mistakes expecting different results. Is written all over the both Old and New Testaments. The Bible tells me so... (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)

 It actually demonstrates each of the Ages of the stages of mankind's development. He still falls from the same 3 Things that causes us to die in sin.

2 Timothy 3:1

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

James 5:3

Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 

What's Going On - Only Love can conquer HATE

Marvin Gaye

What's Going On

Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, eh eh

Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today, oh oh oh

Picket lines and picket signs

Don't punish me with brutality

Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on
What's going on
Yeah, what's going on
Ah, what's going on

In the mean time
Right on, baby
Right on brother
Right on babe

Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply 'cause our hair is long
Oh, you…  

Source: LyricFind

What's Going On is the eleventh studio album by American soul singer, songwriter, and producer Marvin Gaye. It was released on May 21, 1971, by the Motown Records-subsidiary label Tamla.

 @Lovleeannwise 12/4/15  All rights reserved

FLOTUS Michelle Obama - ....and let her works praise her in the city gates. Proverbs 31

 

Sunday, February 22, 2015

FLOTUS Michelle Obama - ....and let her works praise her in the city gates. Proverbs 31

OUR FIRST LADY  A CLASSIC MODEL

Michelle opposite of Michael meaning of names; Archangel which means the chief of the angels. Michael has an important meaning as well, it means: (one) who is like God.

The First African American President and First Black American First Lady & daughters Sasha and Malia during the first Presidential Inauguration 2009

This is on the heels of what was too magnificient for words but I'll give it my best. 

In honor of Our First Lady Michelle - to all the Michelle's wherever you are no matter who you are She represents all ....

Women as a shining example of a Virtuous Woman. I love appreciate history and anything Classic like music, the arts, antique cars and antiques they are so lovely to admire. Then we spend a small fortune on them to preserve and keep them nice for all to admire and say "wow you're classey, great taste," well growing up as a young girl I used to hear Big Mama say "only thoroughbreds win the race", and I would be bewildered. She meant as women the only success stories are the not the well read, but the well bred, what you're fed. (experience, strength, wisdom, and hope)

Women have alot of demands these days and because of our need to be all places and all things to others I' being one of the many "Classic Models still hangin around, check out some of the groups you'll find many Classic's in the tradition of "Big Mama" but snazzier than ever. We are built to last Ladies. So in order for us to remain strong we need to honor that which is inate in each of us the gift to do all things........when you know where you get your strength.

In my eyes she distinguishes herself among the most admired First Lady's in the country's history i.e., Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Regan, Hillary Clinton, and even Martha Washington. She equals her husbands strength with all the same elegance and grace. She's a woman with lots of titles; mother,  corporate attorney, daughter, sister. Now First Lady Michelle Obama should be heralded among thee greatest women who the Prophets wrote about their contributions to family, society, and overall Charity(Love). We also have to pray for our new First Lady that she can be strength for her husband in ways we might not even be able to imagine.. Truly illustrating that she is his helpmate and backbone.

 As I watched them on television dancing to At Last and Beyonce' serenade it was breathtaking and enchanting at the same time.

I salute you Mrs. Obama you are truly a lady. And your daughters were little ladies and reflected your influence on clearly a family that prays together grows together and can also represent a great nation.


Whose purpose is as The Wife of Noble Character _ Virtuous Woman as defined in Proverbs? Can you identify. 

Personally I admire the fact she has brought her Mother, Mrs. Robinson to assist keep her and the family grounded on levels  we don't understand we all could use someone like (Naomi) advised Ruth for the kind of encouragement only we as woman know about.  A mixture of tough love with tenderness and care. Not in unhealthy ways but like the mother eagle who often has to toss and save her young while teaching them how to use their own wings to fly solo.

 Indulge me sisters in spirit as I send compliments to all women who might be entrepreneur's, and homemakers who actually have to manage their family day to day operation for some do live in large family estates. They face challenges too even if they have means in other areas and are often women in leadership positions as First Lady's of Presidents of Nations or Huge Congregations, CEO's wives. Woman often take for granted they also have more demands, expectations of their time. To much is given, much is required... We embrace all women with/without stature our goal is to achieve success ultimately

Give her credit for what she has accomplished, working with Dr. Jill Biden to serve Military Families all over this Nation.  


I will keep this nation and our First Family in my prayers and will be in service whenever I can. Women that Build Women-Up is a blueprint of many Great Women who to me stand up with wisdom like Ruth and as Naomi she incorporates strengh from outside her traditional family circle sharing and embracing another attitude towards sacrifice learns to be groomed by Naomi how to walk into her promise Boaz. Caring enough to reach out by offering our own experience and testimony. 

PRAISES TO GOD for  all of the "Virtuous Women"

Every RUTH should have a NAOMI
15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

The Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31...And let her works praise her in the city gates.

31:10 Who can find a wife of noble character?

For her value is far more than rubies.

31:11 The heart of her husband has confidence in her,

and he has no lack of gain.

31:12 She brings him good and not evil

all the days of her life.

31:13 She obtains wool and flax,

and she is pleased to work with her hands.

31:14 She is like the merchant ships;

she brings her food from afar.

31:15 She also gets up while it is still night,

and provides food for her household and a portion to her female servants.

31:16 She considersa field and buys it;

from her own income she plants a vineyard.

31:17 She begins her work vigorously,

and she strengthens her arms.

31:18 She knows that her merchandise is good,

and her lamp does not go out in the night.

31:19 Her hands take hold of the distaff,

and her hands grasp the spindle.

31:20 She extends her hand to the poor,

and reaches out her hand to the needy.

31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,

for all of her household are clothed with scarlet.

31:22 She makes for herself coverlets;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

31:23 Her husband is well-known in the city gate

when he sits with the elders of the land.

31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

31:25 She is clothed with strength and honor,

and she can laugh at the time to come.

31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and loving instruction is on her tongue.

31:27 She watches over the ways of her household,

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed,

her husband also praises her:

31:29 “Many daughters have done valiantly,

but you surpass them all!”

31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

31:31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished,

and let her works praise her in the city gates.

#GOD BLESS and #SHOWSOMELOVE

@lovleeannwise 2015  all rights reserved

  (repost)  original post 2009 #lovelannwise www.onlythankgod.com  and minglecity.com 

Revelation vs. Reality

"They'll come a time, when the world won't be singing.  Flowers won't grow oh no; you know bells won't be ringing.  Who really cares? Whose willing to try to save a world that is destined to die............  Oh what a shame such a bad way to live who is to blame when we can't stop living.  Live your life, but let live everybody.  Live life for the Children for the children... Save the babies."

Marvin Gaye What's Goin On 1971

8/13/14, 12:52 AM

Eastern Standard Time

The significance of the lyrics are resounding today as they were when I first heard them back in the 70's for we have evolved from being colored, to negro, from negro to black, and now African American.  Through this evolution I've seen our community unravel bit by bit. 

I'll make my points chronologically; the 60's we were angry, "We shall overcome"; the 70's Black Power, the panthers, Power to the People; the 80's drugs & driveby's hiphop was born; 90's we became mainstream Def Comedy Jam, Tupac & Biggie died Neo-Soul was born; 20's we still angry and dissatisfied.  Our community has lost an important characteristic that we held prior to intergration.

Once upon a time we stood for something we actually believed in a cause and community fought for the right to vote people died for that to happen.  Fought for equal rights to co-exist in America as a human being and not as second class citizens.  So many of our younger generation has no concept of what it was like to live through a period where a dominant race ruled over how you even looked at them.  A black boy, or man could lose their life just looking or admiring a white woman and she could lure and conjole that man but he would be in danger if caught even entertaining the thought.  States like the commonwealth of Virginia prosecuted you if you married inter-racially.  Jobs were Driver, BusBoy, Dishwasher, Cook, Maid, Babysitter and Yardman.  If you could sing and dance you might be able to make it out in Hollywood or On or Off Broadway.  Sports weren't integrated until mid-60's fully so Negro leagues were formed prior to that that aren't even discussed among many of the great sports files.  Baseball gave us Jackie Robinson, Boxing gave us Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sonny Liston, and Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali.  We evolved musically from Billie Holiday, Ella, and Dinah Washington ladies who made a name for themselves but have you ever heard of Ruth Brown?  

Motown paved the way for moguls like Russell Simmons & PDiddy to be able to make movies and videos and money, Rasin in the Sun portrayed a Negro family who wanted to buy in an all white neighborhood when in reality it happened and white flight was the reaction.  We have to separate the accomplishments from our failures over the years and recognize how we have changed toward one another since integration and equal rights were granted to us.  We are no longer concerned until a teen is killed or somebody makes a racial remark we get offended.  But not enough to get involved and contribute our time and consciousness to continuing onward in the battle for equality.

We as a people deserve reparations for all of the suffering endured by our ancestors but not in terms of money but land, establishing a foundation to lift us up out of the hovel we been in since the civil rights act was signed.  Vietnam was convienent and so was Regans Iran Contra because it saturated urban areas with drugs enought to stigmatize and paralyze our community.  Kept us in the pits of hell and if you didn't get caught up on the drugs then you got caught up on credit.  We have become the biggest consumers on earth spending billions on entertainment, food & services, and clothing and other durable goods far above what many of us can afford.  Teenage pregancies are normal and acceptable behavior across all cultures black, white, and hispanic.  Communities use to bond sure there were always beefs and bullies but and the end of the day we knew how to treat each other with self dignity and respect it meant something.

Let me end with this, 

  When we didn't have nothing we had wealth a rich culture who knew how to demonstrate self worth and valued one another;  stood together through bombs and lynchings, fed each other when one was down everyone chipped in to pull that brother or sister up by giving rent parties and selling dinners. All of us have skeletons hidden away but we have lost the connection of togetherness we don't hold each other accountable anymore.  Our children get rewarded for doing what they're supposed to do and still reflect a don't careish attitude and anger which proves that it isn't changing the situation either buying them lables & cars giving them mobile phones before they even get into middle school.  

  America will never own up to her role in destroying the African people who were enslaved and brought here mistreated, raped, killed, and traded.  Broken families we still haven't healed fully nobody seems to get that except for a few historians of the culture.  Our leaders who stood out in front were all cut down in their prime. Brother Malcom spoke of these things although nobody was listening then he predicted this would happen to our people if we integrated instead of giving us the resources needed to educate and teach the Urban and Southern communities about running and owning a business.  Establishing a financial institution to give us equal footing before equal rights.  We took door number two what you see today is the result of settling for less than what we deserved.  I look at the Jewish community whose people suffered and are suffering in some nations still under the hands of hatred and oppression they were given a fresh start and protection to rebuild as a people and still fighting to exist.  But that's not what we see here in America what has happened to our Black community can't be blamed on any one thing or one person.  We are held accountable should know better.  Men use to marry you if you had sex and got pregnant now it's passe' too many single women raising babies alone at an alarming rate.  Sons & daughters repeating the cycle generation after generation.  It's time to get involved do community service become more civic minded or don't get mad when someone gets shot or called the "N" word or profiled.  Why you ask shouldn't I get mad, my answer is because you don't put in nothing you get nothing out.  We are becoming extinct it's a major gap now between the rich and the poor.  The majority of our community lands on the poor side of the scale and only 1/4  of us are wealthy the 3/4 living way beyond their means on plastic credit cards.  Filing bankruptcy.  I could go on and on.  But bottom line is this when you pointing that forefinger four more are pointing back at you.  "Look in the mirror what do you see somebody pretending not to be me" 

Get Up, Get into it, and Get Involved!

https://youtu.be/FEA-m4kibzM 

Isaiah 41:22New King James Version (NKJV)

22 

“Let them bring forth and show us what will happen;Let them show the former things, what they were,That we may consider them,And know the latter end of them;Or declare to us things to come.

@Lovleeannwise All rights reserved 2014