Fellow bloggers,
As stated in the previous blog, I've been going through a lot of things recently and the stress of it is taking its toll on me...such as losing what little sleep that I already don't get, and now muscle spasms in my back and shoulder...but through all of this, and with the help of my family and friends, I know I'll come out stronger for this. And there's only one reason why in all the negative shit there's a lot of positivity around me: God has my back. I repeat: God has been on my side. And I'm truly thankful for that. Now I'm not trying to get too religious or even give you a sermon when Lord knows I ain't a preacher, but the following is what has inspired me to write this edition of The Shadow's Pen. First, a reading of the Word, which will be taken from the book of Romans, the 5th chapter, verses 7-17, in both the King James and New International Versions:
7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ die for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11And not only so, but also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we now received the atonement. 12Wherefore, as by one man, sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15But not as the offence so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved thorough His life! 11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned- 13(To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. 15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
May the Lord bless the reading of His word. And now, turn to your neighbor and say: Neighbor- There, but for the grace of God- goes you"
As I look back at all the things in the twenty-seven and a half years I was allowed to spend on Earth so far, there's been a vast amount of dates, times, people, places, events and experiences that I've encountered, which at times were either optimistic or pessimistic. But somehow, through it all, my life has molded me into the person that I am today. So without saying, here's my blog/poem/sermon:
I was born into a warm and caring home and family that loves me for who I am. Unfortunately, there are others who don't have families that love them, or for that matter, some that are abused or even killed by their own parents. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I'm blessed that my parents are still together after 33 years of marriage, which nowadays isn't all to common in American society. There are others around me whose parents are not together for whatever reason there may be. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I may be the average guy, but among my friends, there's nothing but loyalty...I always have their backs and they all have mine. A lot of people out there can't say the same because the one they call a "friend" will "smile in their face, but all the time they want to take their place..." A backstabber is in no way, shape, or form a friend. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I have served my country with honor, distinction, and dignity; a country who sometimes turn its back on its military personnel and veterans. I have seen the face of war and survived with few battle scars. Sadly, a lot of my brothers and sisters in arms were not so fortunate as I am, and the list of names is too long to mention. It hurts as another soldier, veteran, a family member, and friend to see so many people receive that dreaded knock on the door or the folded flag at yet another burial site. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
Recently I've been robbed at gunpoint and made it out alive, with only a few personal effects taken. There are thousands of robbery victims who have had their lives taken from them. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
There are times where I may get filled with hopelessness and despair; with frustration and aggravation; with pain and sorrow. But I know that these feelings are temporary for in order to enjoy the sunshine you have to go through the storms. Still, there are those who feel they are in a constant storm and the only way to end that gloom is to terminate everything within that life itself. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
Recently, a person close to me dropped one of the worst bombs one can to another person...they revealed they were HIV positive and basically lied about their health status the whole time we were together. I got tested, and miraculously, my results were negative, but for one negative there are so many more that have been confirmed positives.....There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I also finally came to terms as to who I am and what makes me tick. Understanding who I am has made me able to love myself more and accept myself for all that I am, be it my best qualities; stuff I need to improve on; my worst flaws, my aspirations, hopes, dreams, and goals; my deepest thoughts and innermost fears; and most importantly, accepting my self of my sexuality and sexual orientation. I always have been and always will be attracted to and love women, but I also know that I have an attraction for other men, and a desire to be with another man as well. To those of you who disagree with me being bisexual/gay/same-gender loving/whatever, I'm sorry that you do disagree and you have your beliefs but I gotta live my life the only way I know and that's to live it to my utmost potential and live my life to the fullest and make each day count. Just as I have respect for myself and what I do, just as I have respect for you and the choices you may take, all I ask is for the same respect for me as a person and don't knock me for the decisions I make regarding my life no matter how you may be in conflict with it. I have come to peace with myself, make sure you come to peace with yourself before you can make peace with others. Just like there are others in the same boat that I am in, there are many more who are in self-disgust with the very same issue that is within them. And sad thing is, many take their own life or are treated like an outcast or worse are murdered. I'm eternally grateful for the support system that I do have, because there, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I have movement of all my extremities. I can see, and hear. I'm able to communicate via verbal and nonverbal expressions. I can talk, sing, walk, shout, praise, and bless the Lord with all my heart and soul, be able to love myself as well as love others. I can do anything and everything that is in my God-given ability to do so. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." We all know that there are those that are not able to do so be it physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
In conclusion, I look back and no matter how bad I may think I have it, I know I have nothing to feel bad about because God has bless me with so many things that I don't have room enough to receive all of my blessings. And even in my darkest days I must praise Him anyway because as the saying goes, "when the praises goes up, the blessings come down." Plus, there's always someone else who has it worse than me.....take it from me readers, from someone with a little bit of experience, try to be a better person and help someone that may be down on their luck...because just remember this one important thing:
"THERE, BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, GOES I!"
THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH ARE OPEN.......................
As stated in the previous blog, I've been going through a lot of things recently and the stress of it is taking its toll on me...such as losing what little sleep that I already don't get, and now muscle spasms in my back and shoulder...but through all of this, and with the help of my family and friends, I know I'll come out stronger for this. And there's only one reason why in all the negative shit there's a lot of positivity around me: God has my back. I repeat: God has been on my side. And I'm truly thankful for that. Now I'm not trying to get too religious or even give you a sermon when Lord knows I ain't a preacher, but the following is what has inspired me to write this edition of The Shadow's Pen. First, a reading of the Word, which will be taken from the book of Romans, the 5th chapter, verses 7-17, in both the King James and New International Versions:
7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ die for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11And not only so, but also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we now received the atonement. 12Wherefore, as by one man, sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15But not as the offence so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved thorough His life! 11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. 12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned- 13(To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come. 15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
May the Lord bless the reading of His word. And now, turn to your neighbor and say: Neighbor- There, but for the grace of God- goes you"
As I look back at all the things in the twenty-seven and a half years I was allowed to spend on Earth so far, there's been a vast amount of dates, times, people, places, events and experiences that I've encountered, which at times were either optimistic or pessimistic. But somehow, through it all, my life has molded me into the person that I am today. So without saying, here's my blog/poem/sermon:
I was born into a warm and caring home and family that loves me for who I am. Unfortunately, there are others who don't have families that love them, or for that matter, some that are abused or even killed by their own parents. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I'm blessed that my parents are still together after 33 years of marriage, which nowadays isn't all to common in American society. There are others around me whose parents are not together for whatever reason there may be. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I may be the average guy, but among my friends, there's nothing but loyalty...I always have their backs and they all have mine. A lot of people out there can't say the same because the one they call a "friend" will "smile in their face, but all the time they want to take their place..." A backstabber is in no way, shape, or form a friend. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I have served my country with honor, distinction, and dignity; a country who sometimes turn its back on its military personnel and veterans. I have seen the face of war and survived with few battle scars. Sadly, a lot of my brothers and sisters in arms were not so fortunate as I am, and the list of names is too long to mention. It hurts as another soldier, veteran, a family member, and friend to see so many people receive that dreaded knock on the door or the folded flag at yet another burial site. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
Recently I've been robbed at gunpoint and made it out alive, with only a few personal effects taken. There are thousands of robbery victims who have had their lives taken from them. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
There are times where I may get filled with hopelessness and despair; with frustration and aggravation; with pain and sorrow. But I know that these feelings are temporary for in order to enjoy the sunshine you have to go through the storms. Still, there are those who feel they are in a constant storm and the only way to end that gloom is to terminate everything within that life itself. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
Recently, a person close to me dropped one of the worst bombs one can to another person...they revealed they were HIV positive and basically lied about their health status the whole time we were together. I got tested, and miraculously, my results were negative, but for one negative there are so many more that have been confirmed positives.....There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I also finally came to terms as to who I am and what makes me tick. Understanding who I am has made me able to love myself more and accept myself for all that I am, be it my best qualities; stuff I need to improve on; my worst flaws, my aspirations, hopes, dreams, and goals; my deepest thoughts and innermost fears; and most importantly, accepting my self of my sexuality and sexual orientation. I always have been and always will be attracted to and love women, but I also know that I have an attraction for other men, and a desire to be with another man as well. To those of you who disagree with me being bisexual/gay/same-gender loving/whatever, I'm sorry that you do disagree and you have your beliefs but I gotta live my life the only way I know and that's to live it to my utmost potential and live my life to the fullest and make each day count. Just as I have respect for myself and what I do, just as I have respect for you and the choices you may take, all I ask is for the same respect for me as a person and don't knock me for the decisions I make regarding my life no matter how you may be in conflict with it. I have come to peace with myself, make sure you come to peace with yourself before you can make peace with others. Just like there are others in the same boat that I am in, there are many more who are in self-disgust with the very same issue that is within them. And sad thing is, many take their own life or are treated like an outcast or worse are murdered. I'm eternally grateful for the support system that I do have, because there, but for the grace of God, goes I.
I have movement of all my extremities. I can see, and hear. I'm able to communicate via verbal and nonverbal expressions. I can talk, sing, walk, shout, praise, and bless the Lord with all my heart and soul, be able to love myself as well as love others. I can do anything and everything that is in my God-given ability to do so. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." We all know that there are those that are not able to do so be it physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally. There, but for the grace of God, goes I.
In conclusion, I look back and no matter how bad I may think I have it, I know I have nothing to feel bad about because God has bless me with so many things that I don't have room enough to receive all of my blessings. And even in my darkest days I must praise Him anyway because as the saying goes, "when the praises goes up, the blessings come down." Plus, there's always someone else who has it worse than me.....take it from me readers, from someone with a little bit of experience, try to be a better person and help someone that may be down on their luck...because just remember this one important thing:
"THERE, BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, GOES I!"
THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH ARE OPEN.......................
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