Pulp Fiction

Samuel L. Jackson is Jules Winnfield, a mobster in a tight spot. Jules and his partner Vincent Vega (John Travolta), have just pulled into the home of Jimmie (played by Tarantino himself) with a dead body in the car which they have to dispose of pronto. Under pressure from Jimmie to get out of there as fast as possible, Jules calls his mob boss Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames) to apprise him of the situation and plead for backup. Wallace reassures him he'll be sending "the posse" in the form of "The Wolf" to help. Jules, obviously as relieved as he's ever been in his life, utters a line similar to this one, “Brother, That's All You Had To Say.”

Roll with me here. What kind of faith pleases God? What constitutes a belief in God that receives His approval? These words of Jesus from Luke 7 rest in the middle of a story about a Roman centurion asking Jesus to heal his servant. A centurion going to this much trouble for a servant demonstrates great love for this man. One can imagine the feelings of grief and anxiety as someone he cares about is on the brink of death. But in seeking and finding Jesus, the centurion probably also possessed some hope. The passage doesn’t indicate whether or not the centurion came to a saving faith in Christ, but it definitely shows us a faith that Jesus highly regarded. It was a faith that believed Jesus possessed the power to heal his servant with a simple word.

On the other hand, contrast that kind of faith with a faith of which Jesus is critical. Throughout the Gospels, many Jews constantly asked Jesus to perform signs and wonders. Only after He had “performed” for them would they believe that He was the Christ. But, here we see a Gentile, not even ethnically a member of the Jewish people, who says to Jesus, “You don’t have to come to my house; you don’t have to physically touch my servant. You don’t have to perform any sign or wonder to get me to believe you can heal my servant. All you need to do is say the word, and I know he will be healed.”

That is biblical, commendable faith. The Bible is full of countless stories depicting the same kind of faith. Abram believed God, and it was his faith that received God’s favor (Genesis 15:6). The thief on the cross believed Jesus alone had the power to forgive him, and he was promised eternal life (Luke 23). The people of Israel marched around the fortified city of Jericho doing nothing but blowing trumpets—no swords, spears, or javelins—because the Lord told them to, and the walls came down (Joshua 6).

What kind of faith do we possess? Do we try to barter with God, “Lord, if you will only do this, then I will believe?” Or do we simply believe and wait for Him to act? Seek to possess faith like this centurion. Ask the Lord to give you a faith rooted in His character and Word rather than in what He can give you. This is the type of faith that pleases God.

Let Us Pray – 

Heavenly Father, that’s all you had to say Lord. In Your Son’s most Holy Name we pray. Amen Jesus. Amen. Amen. 

SCRIPTURE 

 Luke 7:6-7,9 

 “So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed…’ When Jesus heard this, He was amazed at Him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, He said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’”

#WALKAWAY

I’m a born Democrat. My mother never voted Republican.

As a teen I never paid much attention to politics, I was more focused on reading comics, watching science fiction shows, and schooling. In my young adult life my faith became focal. Though I was the furthest from saintly, I was still a staunch Christian just trying to find my way.

Resulting from long working hours, non-stop partying, and binge runs with alcohol and drugs, I decided to join the military. This decision led me to recognize the effect politics and associated national leadership has on our nation and my life in the military.

I supported Bill Clinton. I recognized his economic brilliance and I took personal advantage of his leadership in during our economic recovery in the mid-1990s, purchasing a home and making a few sound investments.

During Bill Clinton’s eight years in office, terrorist enemies of the U.S. waged a virtually unimpeded offensive against the United States. On Clinton’s watch, terrorists launched a string of escalating attacks, each one bolder than the last: the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993; the attack on Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia three years later; the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania; and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole. This last attack hit close to home with me since I knew several Sailors aboard this great American ship.

Each of these attacks was carried out with no effective U.S. response. Clinton employed a combination of law enforcement and symbolic, pinprick cruise-missile strikes — firing, in the words of President George W. Bush, “a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent to hit a camel in the butt.”

I was done, and I was finished with this lack of spine, all talk no action approach to governance. I walked away.

G.W. got my vote. Twice.

In 2008, I voted for candidate Obama. In hindsight, it was a mistake. End of story.

I never paid much attention to the national vote, but I did during the second-term election of GW, and again during the election of Trump.

The counties encompassing big metropolises like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Atlanta, are less than 4 percent of the land mass, but 62 percent of the population and easily 99 percent of the popular culture. From these areas radiate our movies, shows, songs, and news. These cities are all blue states otherwise known as democrat elite states. Thank God for the Electoral College!!!

I do not know who penned the phrase first, but I will write it again and end my post on this note - The election of Trump is "a brick chucked through the window of the elites. Are you assholes listening now?" #WALKAWAY

BLACK FRIDAY

The stupid fairies have stung a few folks of late, allow me to explain. There are some in the media and a few folks I know personally that are mumbling "Black Friday" is a racist term. While the color black is generally seen by a certain some as an evil or negative color, the hue has a favorable meaning in accounting, specifically finance. In this field, black is a serious color that literally means business. When an accountant is showing clients that their accounts are "in the black," it means their business is making a profit. The role of an accountant is to assist clients in having as many black numbers on their monthly or yearly statements as possible. In retail, Black Friday is just that, an attempt to turn as many red (negative) numbers from the past year into black (positive) numbers on this awesome shopping day - Black Friday. #GETSOME
On a personal note, I really despise anyone who sees damn near everything as a racist issue. They come across as miserable, jealous, and passionately angry individuals that operate inside a box of despair while attempting to blame these feelings on others. I was born completely color-blind, my world is black, white and gray (literally!), and even I can see all the wonderful hues of life and happiness - even on a rainy day.

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

TWENTY random FACTS about YOURSELF that may surprise people.
1. Do you make your bed everyday? Yes. A masterpiece.
2. What's your favorite number? #1 of course
3. What is your dream job? Being assigned at the Gates of Heaven wIth Peter to welcome everybody.
4. If you could, would you go back to school? Poorly asked question. Go back to school? No. Experience high school again in my youth? Yes. A do over would be cool.
5. Can you parallel park? I’m old school, of course I can.
6. A job you had which people would be surprised to know you did? I did a short gig at a stripper club as an announcer for the dancers. The girls were very nice. It was all professional. No BS!
7. Do you think aliens are real? Yes. God’s creation extends throughout the universe.
8. Can you drive a stick shift? From a Volkswagen to a Deuce Deuce baby!
9. Guilty pleasure? Zumba!
10. Tattoos? Naw.
11. Favorite color? Black (& White)
12. Things people do that drive you crazy? Interrupt while a person is talking.
13. Phobia/fear? Believe it or not – Heights!
14. Favorite childhood game? Monopoly
15. Do you talk to yourself? If praying is consider by some talking to myself,than yes, I do it often.
16. Do you like doing puzzles? Life is a puzzle – I make it look easy.
17. Favorite music? Electronic Dance Music – Deep Trance.
19. First thing you remember you wanted to be when you grew up? Lawyer.
20. First car you owned? White Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

A Prayer for Personal Peace

Let us pray -

Lord and Savior, sometimes a my insides feel like a battle zone, where missiles are falling too close to home. Other times I’m caught in an endless storm, with thoughts flying out of control. Confusion reigns, and defeat creeps in to steal my joy. I need peace—the deep-down-in-your-heart kind that stays with me day and night.

Calm my anxious surroundings, Lord; all the attacking "if-onlys" and "what-ifs" and "what abouts" and "did you dos" and "why this and why thats," make them stop filling me with needless worry.

I know that trust is a big part of experiencing Your kind of peace and that fear has no place in my life. Most of the things I worry about or dread don't even happen. So right now I’m declaring my trust in you. I release the reins of my life again and ask you to take control Lord.

I may need to pray this same prayer daily, but I recognize that I am tired of the frenzy of life that leaves my schedule and my thoughts without any margin.

I need more of you, Lord, and less of me and them. I surrender and admit: I can't control people, plans, places, or even all my circumstances, I can yield those things to you, and focus on your goodness.

Thank you today for every good gift You're about to give me, every blessing You'll send, all the forgiveness I do not deserve, and, yes, for every trial You have allowed into my life. You bring good out of every circumstance so long as I let go and believe You.

I know that when I pray each morning, and give thanks instead of worrying, You have promised that I can experience the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. That's Your kind of peace Lord. And it's the kind I crave.

Whenever I’m stressed, anxious, or afraid, help me remember to run to You. You're the only one that can calm my fears and end my fretful behavior.

Whether its a trivial or heavy matter, I know You will not only give me peace; Lord, you will be my peace. And when I draw close to you—in prayer, in reading your Word, in helping another, in taking my mind off myself — oh yeah... you'll be right there, up close and personal. Hallelujah!!! Jesus Christ, Lord and Prince of Peace, I Love You!

Amen Jesus! Amen. Amen!

WORSHIPPING TOGETHER

Heavenly Father, we come before you to magnify and glorify your name. We, as the body of Christ, give you all the praise and honor you deserve. Help us all to unite and pray together unified in our purpose as men, for we know where two or more are gathered in your name, you are with us, O Lord.

Bless us, O Divine Father, to find unity with each other, to work together to deliver your word. For we know man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

May we be a blessing to others, as we strive to be more like Jesus, Oh Loving Father; kind, caring, compassionate, loving, giving, forgiving and humble.

O Lord, as we work together to build your empire, let us be the light that leads the world to you. God, teach us to be good role models to our families and people around us so that when they see you and your love within us, they would want to know you more and more.
Grant us the patience to work together. Bring us all together as a family. Let us work together with understanding and compassion in our hearts. Let us not be rude or arrogant towards one another, as we light the way to your heavenly kingdom.

We declare in the name of Jesus and according to the power of God at work in us, that we are of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing (with one another), loving (each other as brethren of one household), compassionate and courteous – tenderhearted and humble-minded.

We never return evil for evil or insult for insult, scolding, tongue-lashing, or berating. But, on the contrary, blessing, praying for their welfare, joy, and protection and truly loving one another.

For we know that to this we have been called, that we may ourselves inherit blessings from God, and obtain these blessings as heirs, bringing welfare, joy, and protection to all we encounter.

In Jesus’ most Holy and Precious name,

Amen! Amen! Amen!

MATTHEW 18:20
Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Wounded Warriors

I love movies as much as I love music. I can recall a scene from a film for darn near every event in my life. Few have not scene the film Forrest Gump. In recent weeks I have reflected on old Lieutenant Dan and his violent argument with God the Father. Remember the scene? He was fed up. Enough! Up the main mast and into the crow"s nest he went to have it out once and for all with God. Drinching rain, thunder, lightning, cursing, yelling, screaming forth to God. IS THAT ALL YOU GOT! Lt. Dan yells! The crackle of several thunder bursts break through the dark black clouds followed by a multitude of lightning bursts as God responds to His angry child. Dan laughs and yells out rude epithets and flexes profane gestures to the violent night sky. All this ends as the scene shifts to the next day with Dan laying on his back facing a clear sunny morning sky beaming down upon him on a wooden pier. His face gleamed with an expression of total peace and satisfaction.

I do not know of any Christian adult man that cannot honestly describe himself as a wounded warrior similar to Dan. I certainly know I have inflicted more self-induced wounds on my soul than any other mortal being. I tried with no logic to blame others for my pain, even going so far to point to our Father as having no empathy for my poor stubborn self. Like Lt. Dan, I was mad to! But mad at the wrong fault. In hindsight the fault was all mine, and not until I realized this could I truly have it out with God. Yes, an all out yell fest. I found out God can take it. All the crap I was blaming others for, all the self-inflicted damage I caused myself and others, the pain and suffering I endured for so long, yes, I was pissed and I shouted it all out to God!!! It was after midnight on a weeknight, at an empty field near my home, no thunder and lightning only flames of fury from my big mouth!

Felt good! Real good!

It was at this concluding moment I felt a release of frustrations unlike any I had ever felt before. Many of the wounds I'd been carrying around with me for years were healed as a result of this night.

The Lord's Prayer has this phrase it it, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." I am a staunch believer that calling on our Savior Jesus in times of dire need works personal miracles. When the sword of temptation tries to deliver a new wound upon your soul I encourage you to suit up your armor of Christ by calling His name, loud if necessary!

It works! It really does.

Wounded Warriors only remain wounded by choice.

Debating the Truth is Futile

Adopted from a conversation with Allen Sloan

My mother’s generation was not prepared for what we are all going through but they are most certainly at fault. Yes without a doubt the truth is, my parents’ generation is responsible for all this mess. The Great Generation gave birth to what Peter Jennings once called the selfish generation. He called them that because they were the first generation to be "molly coddled. Due to the hardships of the Great Depression and WWII, parents felt bad for their kids and spoiled them a bit in an effort to protect them from those bad times. Being the first spoiled generation, and not just by guilt ridden parents, but by all the modern inventions that were making life easier, they were just a bit... selfish.

Today it's happening on another and ever increasing level of convinience - modern tech has given birth to the rampent believers of nonsense. Without any research many are gullible and believe anything that comes across their smart phone’s screen, without a care to check reliability of information.

My parents were the American Dream generation. They were the keep up with the Joneses generation. They were the max out the credit cards and live beyond your means generation. They were the beginning of the Baby Boom. These people were more about their own immediate self gratification. This was the generation that just allowed things to happen and didn't really care as long as it didn't interfere with the good times. It continues today.

They allowed JFK and MLK to be murdered and accepted shoddy investigationS and ignored all the irregularities in the cases. They allowed Vietnam. The first war fought for corporations. They allowed prayer to be taken out of school. The demonization of the Christianity and Catholic Church. And a load of other things that have contributed to the damage done to this nation.

At any rate, my generation has seen the before and after pictures. I still watch in aw! We see where this nation is heading. And we are the ones putting this right. Because we see some very damaged people behind us. And they've been damaged to the point that they cannot be trusted with the future of this nation - republicans and democrats alike!!!

Our young males seem very much dumbed down mentally as well as physically. And frankly, many aren't very masculine, which is scary. Our generation needs to live long enough to see the fruits of Trump's labor before we can die. lol. In other words, we've got to fix the schools and the family unit and start producing some kids that can take over one day bypassing this brainwashed bunch altogether. Otherwise they'd give all their tights away in the mane of some politically correct nonsense. Bet!

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Thanks for reading.

HIDDEN FIGURES
A Mo’View by Palmer Pinckney II

It’s saying something about 2016 that many of the films that critics and audiences have latched onto are life-affirming celebrations of humanity and spirit — “La La Land,” “Moonlight,” to name two. It a breath of fresh air to see a new Civil Rights film that leaves me happy, feeling enriched, and optimistic about my own beliefs.

The inspiring and heartening “Hidden Figures”is a film your entire family can see together. It is all-age appropriate. It’s a feel-good crowd-pleaser that celebrates the achievements and acknowledges the struggle of the real-life black women who worked at NASA in the 1960s, helping astronauts take flight.


Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, “Hidden Figures” is directed by Theodore Melfi and adapted by Melfi and Allison Schroeder. It’s the story of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson, and their trials and triumphs at NASA during the space race with Russia.

The film is directed in a fast-paced and energetic style that lets the performances shine. This is a film powered by the stratospheric levels of charisma of its three lead actors. In any other film, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae would steal the whole show, and as a trio, their winning charm takes off like a rocket ship, inspiring multiple spontaneous applause breaks throughout.

Henson leads the pack as math genius Katherine, whose prodigious faculty with geometric calculations allows her to move up from the confines of the West Campus to the big leagues, where a host of white men, led by Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) are calculating how to send John Glenn into orbit.

The stakes are high because of the U.S. rivalry with Russia, but the most important battles are the ones fought on home turf. These women are striving to succeed, but the finish line keeps getting moved. Mary (Monae) takes her ambition to be an engineer all the way to court, where she petitions to take classes at a segregated school (one of many powerful scenes in the film). Katherine has to contend with extra assignments, little credit and a one-half-mile walk to use the segregated restroom at work.

“Hidden Figures” never shies away from the horrors of racism in Virginia at the time, which is why the personal victories of these enterprising women are that much sweeter. They follow the rules, but see clearly that they’re unfairly restricted because of their race and gender. They understand that unfair rules need to be broken or bent sometimes, whether that’s pilfering a book on computer language from the library or stepping out of the chain of command to urge a higher-up to grant access to critical information (a practice still utilized today.).

These small victories are the ones that make you stand up and cheer — not John Glenn orbiting the globe — because the film is focused so specifically on the experiences and subjectivities of these women. It’s worth noting that this movie exalts not just the women or people of color, but the mathematicians, scientists and scores of people who showed up to work each day to achieve, as a team, this amazing goal of space flight. The dashing white-male astronauts are relegated to side characters while the math nerds become the true heroes. Yes!!!

No doubt this film will (should be) recognized by the film academy for the rock solid and inspiring performances by the cast of professional actors. Henson, Spencer and Monae onscreen performances held everyone’s attention, supporting cast members Kevin Costner, Kristen Dunst, and Jim Parsons held their own too. Subtle scenes in the film like removing a sticker from a coffee pot, displaying respect for a newly promoted co-worker, or placing a fresh cup of coffee on a peer’s desk, added depth to the film and demonstrated the brilliance of the entire assembled cast.

“Hidden Figures” is an unflinching and trenchant analysis of the social constructs of prejudice and racism, but combined with its lighthearted tone and uplifting message, it’s utterly intoxicating and as charming as could be. It’s an assertion of humanity and civil rights that is pure cinematic nourishment for every human’s soul.

Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting.

Copyright © 2016 Palmer Pinckney II

Why Allow?

I have been asked and heard the question asked several times, “If God is so good why does God allow so much evil in the world?” Answers vary on this query and many times are laced with theological complexities that confuse most people. I enjoy these types of questions that doubt the simple nature of the Creator.
Why does God allow evil in the world?
He does not allow. We do. We create the negativity and we distribute it around the world. So often those that question God believe Him to be in charge of the world. On the contrary, we are in charge. We inherited a perfect world as a gift from the Creator. If our will as a community of human children was to return the world to its perfect state all we need do is good by each other the world would slowly heal.
Another common question is, “Why doesn't God just fix it?”
Remember this is our world, and if God repaired our every little mess we’d be nothing more than His slaves or He ours.
One of the greatest gifts endowed to us is free will. When we use our free will to doubt the Creator or behave negatively, we invite evil into our life. God will do what we as a single body of believers ask of Him. Indeed we can fix our problems. Every single one. The real problem is we don't truly believe we can. There are so many doubters, so many antagonists, and so few of faith. Our world is saturated with problems and few solutions. These issues are not of great concern for those that live by faith, they know the world is not right and they understand why. They pray that the world receives forgiveness and redemption. People of faith know that fault lies with us all; a community of God created beings.
I cannot speak for the masses but rather only for myself. I know the day is coming when the Truth will stand before all of us and ask a simple and poignant question, “Why do you not have faith in your Father in Heaven?”

Thanks for reading. Thanks for visiting.

Copyright © 2016 Palmer Pinckney II

What's going on?

That was the famous line from the classic song by legendary music artist Marvin Gaye. His words are as true today as they were in 1971 when the famed song was released. The seasons of 1971 was a dark time, I was only 7 years old and I can remember some of the struggles my family experienced while living in the Bay Area. Civil Rights, Vietnam, unemployment, U.S. dollar devaluation, and a Nixon presidency, all these events and many others lead many in the world during this time to question, "What's going on?"

Today there is great similarity, and in my eyes there is one huge difference - We as a society are turning from God.

I am not going to delve into the details here, I believe readers understand all too well exactly what I am writing about.

One other matter that is different today is the mindset of entitlement displayed by a very loud segment of our society. I fail to see the legitimacy of complaining or protesting about something that has not been earned. And then to boot we see destruction of public and private property in the wake of these temper tantrums. Utterly ridiculous. What is going on?

So I decided to explore holy scripture to see if I could find any parallels, and I did:

Disdain and disloyalty to country -

2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV)

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Accept and respect authority -

1 Peter 2:13-17 (NIV)

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

I am saddened by the antics I see a select few in our country today. I write few because that is how many I see - when 120 million Americans vote and less than a 100 thousand act a fool, that's a few in my sight.

Regardless, I will continue to show proper respect to everyone, and also have a little fun along the way.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for visiting.

Copyright © 2016 Palmer Pinckney II

Discipline First

Discipline is positive. Yes, it is!

I often listen to conversations that reveal a common misunderstanding between the words discipline and punishment. These talks also show that many are quick to side on the bank of punishment instead of pursuing the more rewarding effort of discipline.

In more than a quarter-century of armed forces service I can affirm that I never recommended punishment for anyone working under my charge. I always sided with discipline first. 

The word discipline comes from the Greek root word discern, literally meaning “to learn by.”

As leaders we should all strive to live a disciplined life. Quickly making a decision to punish someone or ourselves for a mistake is a poor substitute for an opportunity to teach. It's true that punishment is necessary in some cases, I am not discussing those rare cases here. Though I will say that unless you are a parent or judge or your life is in jeopardy, it's rare that a person has the authority to punish.

Teaching (disciplining) someone that has made an honest mistake reaps tremendous dividends of loyalty. Punishing first without effort towards discipline only creates misunderstanding and confusion. Teaching is a two-way dialogue that enables both people to learn. It's a wonderfully positive experience when done with patience and mutual respect. Punishment without discipline first is a cop out. 

Dr. Stephen Covey’s fifth habit for highly successful people is “Seek first to understand, then to be understood. To quickly punish someone first bypasses this important credo. If you can instill disciplined habits into your life, you can create the foundation for achieving your goals and guiding countless others to theirs. 

Our world has enough negativity in it, I choose not to partake in creating more. I will endeavor to live a disciplined life because yes, it’s positive.

Think about it.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for visiting. 
Copyright © 2016 Palmer Pinckney II 

TURNING POINTS

Today and yesterday I was emailing back and forth with a relative of mine and I was inspired to write down four attitudes that help turn negative experiences into positives.

1. Appreciate that it could have been worse.
However bad a circumstance seems and feels, it could always be worse. It may seem unnatural and perhaps silly to think of hypothetical situations when you have a real problem at hand; but thinking of all the ways the situation could have been worse makes it so much easier to accept and deal with it.

2. Trust that everything happens for a reason.
Whether good or bad, there’s a reason behind everything. Realize that if a door closed, it’s because what was behind it wasn’t meant for you. The world is so unpredictable. Things happen suddenly, unexpectedly. We want to feel we are in control of our own existence. In some ways we are, in some ways we're not. We are ruled by the forces of chance and coincidence.

3. Have faith in blessings in disguise.
Whatever the struggle was, whether a loss or painful discomfort, it may have saved you from something worse, or brought you closer to something better. Even if neither of these are true, then at the very least, it made you a stronger person and taught you something. And that is always a good thing.

4. Share your experience with the people around you.
One of my deepest beliefs is that if you do happen to find out how a particular problem gifted you with a blessing, share it with everyone you know so they can benefit too. The more we openly recognize how we’re fortunate, the happier and more content we all will be.

I challenge anyone reading this blog post to change how you think about inconveniences, missed opportunities, and problems, because oftentimes, it is for the best; we might just not know it.

Also… I am a realist, I understand that positive thinking and behavior is not possible for some. That is okay. I will add that if you are a person that does not have positive influences in your life I would share this piece of experience with you:

Find some! Change up your flow, rotate your friends and acquaintances and start to move forward of other people instead of staying stagnant at the same pace or direction. Don’t sweat static talk from negative influences and those who don’t share your aspirations for success.





Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting.
Copyright © 2016 by Palmer Pinckney II

Keeping it real. 

Been watching all the Oakland Raiders off-season hype videos representing a new team ready to take the field and conquer the 2016/15 season. I'm a Raider, and I know talk is cheap! It's long time my team ante up a winning season. Knock off the motivation speeches and let's reignite our Commitment to Excellence by kicking some ass on the football gridiron. 

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!???

LOST FAITH

The other day a good friend of mine approached me with tears in his eyes and said that as of that moment he had no faith in God. I invited him to private area, and we talked about his lack of faith. The first thing that I told him was that it's normal, absolutely normal to lose one's faith in times of despair. I did not quote scripture, I did not preach, I did not judge. Instead I simply stated that as a man looking at another man in pain my love for him is unconditional. I truly believe that love is the greatest gift of all. But another phenomenal gift is the gift of choice. You see choice is something that we face on a daily basis and the decisions we make when faced with these choices are what shape us into the people that we are. When I reflect on my past, the darkest points of my life were caused by the choices I made in the situations that I found myself in. In every case when I did not listen to my conscience telling me to do the right thing, giving me the proper choice, I failed. The result was I found myself miserable. Until I decided to do the right thing, is when I found myself with faith again. You see Faith is a tricky yet very simple aspect of everyone's life. I've noticed that when people say they've lost their faith often times they're not talking about God, on the contrary, they've lost faith in themselves. That's when the blame game begins. For me, I know that I can accomplish very little alone. Don't get it twisted, I don't blindly trust people but I do talk to several people, asking several questions, weighing ideas, and sharing opinions and experience, seeking decisions on choices that in most cases I already know the answer to. I find that most times when I'm asking people for guidance, that what I'm looking for is an easier path than the one I have already discovered on my own. Rarely do I find easier paths. My friend and I talked for less than 20 minutes, and we ended our discussion with mutual smiles of satisfaction having discovered one another's joys of life. I did not pray with him but I did pray for him because I know that though he says he has lost his faith in God, the fact of the matter is God still has faith and unconditional love for him.
None of us is perfect but we are all creations of a power much greater than ourselves. My choice is to never question my Creator’s faith in me but instead to have faith that all things will be revealed to me in my life in due time.

R.E.M. - Losing My Religion

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

Copyright © 2016 by Palmer Pinckney II "Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting."

I Am

I am a Christian. I am not perfect. I cuss. I fuss. I get pissed off. I pray! I do not lie. I do not cheat. I am! I remain positive in the face of stupidity. I am a Christian. I am not perfect. God made me to be perfect and placed me in an imperfect world where I adapted. I am Christian. I am not perfect. To anyone that would say otherwise, I reply, “You are WRONG!” Yeah, I said it. You trying to tell me what I am not? Then I tell you what you truly are in the sight and sound of your our unsubstantiated opinion. Wrong! I know me, forward, backward, diagonal, reverse, inside and out. You do not. I am a Christian. I am not perfect. You are you, so be you, and together we will seek to truly understand each other and dismiss all other opinions. It’s said that God doesn’t like ugly, well neither do I. I am Christian. I am not perfect. So all I ask is that you keep it positive when with me and never try to tell me what I am not based solely on your so-called intellectual understanding of whatever. My name is Palmer, and I am Christian. I am not perfect.

With Peace and Honor I end.

Your turn. 

Copyright © 2016 by Palmer Pinckney II  

LUKE!

A day ago I read a short post by my good brother Barack. He celebrated the pending historic game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State (Oakland) Warriors. If you are not a sports fan I understand, it’s not for everyone. Though you may not be a fan of sports I think you can agree that historic accomplishments are worth a look.
So, let’s put aside the professional athletes on the court and take a look at one on the sideline. Luke Walton. If you do not know this name you will eventually hear it bounced around in sports conversations. He’s 35 years old and is in the midst of only his second season as an interim coach with the Warriors organization.
What’s the big deal?
Well, a couple of days into training camp this past summer, Warriors’ Head Coach Steve Kerr called Walton and said he wouldn't be ready for the season. Walton instantly found out that he would be the interim coach for a still-undetermined time. Now 15 games into the season this young coach is about to lead his team to the record books against a team he once played for, the Lakers!
He won championships in 2009 and 2010 as a role player for the Lakers and earned $34 million in an 11-year playing career, nine with the team that drafted him 32nd overall in 2003.
Now only 12 years since he entered the league he’s about to eclipse these all-time sports win records:

1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs, 10-0
2006-07 Buffalo Sabres, 10-0
1982 Atlanta Braves, 13-0
1987 Milwaukee Brewers, 13-0
1948-49 Washington Capitols, 15-0
1993-94 Houston Rockets, 15-0
1972 Miami Dolphins, 17-0
2007 New England Patriots, 18-0

Ironically the opposing team on the court Nov. 24, holds the all-time pro basketball win-streak record:
1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers, 33 straight wins!

Some say coaching a championship team is easy, most if not all who say this have never done it. It's an easy job, right? Tell Stephen Curry to keep shooting threes. Same thing for Klay Thompson. Make sure Draymond Green remains one of the most versatile forward-centers in the game. And keep bringing valuable veteran Andre Iguodala off the bench.
Yeah right!
Coaches around the league admire how Walton has helped the Warriors out of some jams on the way to a 15-0 record. They had to beat Brooklyn in overtime. Had to overcome a 23-point deficit to beat the Clippers. Had to hold a late one-point lead over Toronto without the ball.
So, all talk is dead without action. Let’s go Warriors. Good luck and good shooting to the team. Coach Walton GETSOME! Let’s break all the records!!!

THE BOSS

I was just ask why I will be an entrepreneur, is it because I want to be the boss? 

This is the furthest from the true reason. 

The future wellbeing of family is my primary purpose. I have the sincerest admiration for the workforce. I will re-enter it soon, but my mind is focused on making jobs not getting jobs. I'm a community guy. As an business proprietor I can better serve my community by providing employment opportunities for others. A business is transferable to my family, a traditional job is not. As an entrepreneur I will accomplish two primary family goals - First, model hard work and ethical behavior and the rewards that come from these actions, and second build a business or businesses that provide family income for future Pinckney generations. 

Author Jack London's credo says it best for me,

I would rather be ashes than dust! 

I would rather that my spark should burn out 

in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. 

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom 

of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. 

The function of man is to live, not to exist. 

I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. 

I shall use my time.

"Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting."

Copyright © 2015 by Palmer Pinckney II  

A MATTER OF FAITH

All this talk of “My Jesus is better than your Jesus” is totally silly to me. Oh dear, I’m certain that I just offended someone.  Oh well.

Anyhow, I love my faith and I’m never ashamed or fearful to share it. However I am aware that many of us are from different backgrounds. We are raised up to believe in different faiths. We are intrinsically motivated differently. With this always in mind here’s how I start off all my conversations about faith:

"Before we get started I want to preface our conversation with this statement. Please understand that I am very happy to discuss faith with you. I enter into our conversation with no agenda. I am not here to convert you to my belief nor am I here to be converted to yours. Truly what I want is for both of us to openly share our beliefs. Doing this will allow us to find middle ground and on this ground together you and I will certainly find unconditional friendship."

I have done this for years, with people from darn near every conceivable faith. As a result I have forged incredible relationships with a very diverse group of people. Though our faiths often do not agree we each discovered mutual respect for one another, regardless of beliefs.

On a few occasions I have encountered the stubborn, rude and inconsiderate person. You know the ones that are determined to make everyone believe the way they do. These folks are best left as found. Only prayer for them, and away from them has any hope of allowing them to be open-minded to the fullness of creation.

Peace be with you.

"Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting."

Copyright © 2015 by Palmer Pinckney II  

DOPE

Yesterday my son and I watched the movie Dope and the dialog in the film was laden with nigger, nigger, nigger. Today my son asked me about the word Nigger. Of course now that the media has jumped on top of the president's recent use of the word I am elated at the opportunity to discuss it with Logan.

 

He asked me my thoughts, I explained that this particular word will never despite any attempts, be a term of endearment. It will always be a word that shouts belittlement and suppression of self-worth. Simply, I explained, think of it this way, if a teacher ask you to write down a word that best describes you, what would you write? If you are sitting in a final interview before an investment committee that is considering financing your business with a $1 million cash investment and they ask you to describe in one word who you are? Would you respond "nigger?" I think not. Then I asked him, why belittle yourself amongst your friends and associates?

 

He looked at me and listened attentively as I concluded by saying, deep down inside us all, our very existence, our heart, our soul, calls us to know that we are so much better than this word.

 

Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting.

© Palmer Pinckney II