Oronde's Power Quote

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.”
-Michael Jackson
R.I.P

God, Money, or Religion? Choose Wisely

In my religion in America class tonight, my professor said some chilling words spoken by Mr. J.D. Rockefeller himself. If only you could see the words under his sinister looking face on the Time magazine cover. Paraphrasing as close as I can to his actual words he said something almost exactly like "I believe it is a religion to make as much money as you can."

Now, let's flip that. On the contrary, The biblical figure Timothy said the words, "The love of money is the root of all evil." If this is true, then we should be concerned about families such as the Rockerfellers and the Rothschilds. If families as such feel the same way, is it fair to say that they love money? Could there be a hidden meaning behind the ironic statement on the back of your dollar bill, "In God We Trust?" Again, if a man desires money enough whereas he tells the whole nation that,for him, it is a religion to obtain it...doesn't that constitute the love of money? Couldn't money then be his God?

You might say Oronde, you're going to far with this. But I'm known to do such things so follow me for a few more minutes. The love of money coupled with the rigorous pursuit thereof allows one to enter a delusional state where everything, and everyone is merely an object, a stepping stone, if you will, to reach the means.

Not to get side tracked, but isn't that what happened in the south in the early 19th century in this country? Did not the southerners come up with excuse after excuse to justify slavery? Where they not blinded to the fact that had become savages by stripping Africans of there God given freedom just so they could make money?

Now let's fast forward. How about Kenneth Lay, founder of Enron? He and his corporate goons did not once consider the impact they would eventually have on innocent people who invested in their company, nor their employees who worked hard to build up their evil empire.
These men elevated money over citizen's natural rights and thereby debased themselves and any of those who were impacted by their folly.

Heck, since we're rolling, why not throw George Bush and Cheney in the mix? They were pretty up front about their private interest and it was clear that running the country was not their top priority.

Maybe the founding fathers meant in God we trust, but being that they owned slaves, I even question that at times. Who knows the hearts of the men that created the most powerful country in the world. Could it be that behind all the righteous ideals the founding fathers had, everyone had their eye on the dollar bill? Who knows, but between Kenny, Rockefeller and the Bush family, I've just shown you it's possible.

Does the Color of Jesus Even Matter?

Historically speaking, yes says Oronde. So long as I can see, the ancient history of the African race has been trampled over, swept under rug, and remodeled for the western world. So spiritually speaking, no, the color of Jesus doesn't matter. However, historically speaking, his color does matter.

Couple that with that fact that Europeans glorified this fake, white, blond hair, blue eyed godman even to the point of justifying slavery---knowing the truth about the matter holds even more relevance in African communities across the world.

Remember, that Africans could not speak the toungue of the Portugese, English, or Dutch (some of the major slave traders right after Columbus opened the market up). What happened in the "breaking in" process of slaves? And yes, there was a breaking in process which Europeans attempted to solidify African's new mode of behavior, customs, creed, religion, etc- I like to call it whitewash.

Well, among many things, Africans were presented with pictures. You probably didn't know that the elaborate stain glasses in churches that display saints and Jesus use to have a more profound meaning, did you? Well think about it. We couldn't read in those times, so a picture was truly worth "a thousand words." And it's no secret that Europeans in power used this to their advantage as a thesis for them being the superior race.

I'll never forget Amistad. Spielberg presented the concept of the Bible, whereas there were plenty of pictures for Africans to see that the white jesus had a direct lineage to God. Meanwhile, western history books boldly state that one of their excuses for murdering, and enslaving natives was because they weren't Christians. So much for do unto others as you would have done to yourself Iguess. Anyway, I won't hold you long today because I want you to view these two clips from Donahue where this same topic is discussed. Know your history, know yourself, and then you will know the truth.

Kiss the M.S.T.of A. Goodbye-R.I.P

I had an epiphany this morning. If Drew Ali, a so called "prophet" of Islam, is really a prophet, if he really brought such a profound message to the dark hue people in America, how come the legendary African American scholars never mentioned him? How come the Quran of Mecca leaves no room for his presence? I'll listen if you can find me one reputable African historian that affirmed that Drew Ali's movement was truly legit and divine. Again, I'll listen when you show me what Surah includes the verse that states there will be another prophet beyond Muhammad (and don't come with the same interpretation of Surahs that can be struck down in the Quran).

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, you can say why do I keep bringing this bogus movement up (M.S.T.of A)? Well, I'm educating you, as well as others on the truth about organizations that simply waste the majority of people's time. You have a right to know! So here we go....(I promise this is the last time I address this organization...resolution is near!)

Now...allow me to give you some angles..all from documentation I acquired when I was a member in the organization. I will let most of the documentation do the talking. Note, I will not address one single individual. I am not in the business of attacking people, but just as I challenge our government when they are out of line, I'd do the same to any organization if their principles are obscure and misleading.

The Oral Statements and Prophecies of Prophet Drew Ali (I'm quoting their info)
"I remember when I was on the soul-plane, I remember when I was Noah. Noah was a carpenter and he built the Ark. When the flood came, men came swimming out to the Ark and knocked on the door, and said, "Noah, Noah, let us in" and I told them, "The door is locked, and an angel came, and took the key away."

"Rome, 2000 years ago, you got me, but I got you today." (when the prophet was here 2000 years ago as Jesus, the Roman Nation crucified Him, but when he came as prophet Noble Drew Ali, He accomplished everything that he came for. their emphasis)

"Don't keep dogs in your house, because if you inhale one of its hairs, it could cut your throat"

"One day there is going to be so many women, a man is going to have to run for his life"

No, I'm not making this up-according to Moors that existed when he was alive, he said these things.

Sounds a little cultish doesn't it? But there's more juice! I can assure you that though there are numerous chapters of the M.S.T.of A, they all seem to be isolated from one another. There is no unity between these factions, in fact alot of branches rival each other. For instance, my former branch rivaled another branch because the former claimed to be the true, legitimate branch descended from Ali himself. The latter meanwhile would sling mud at the other branch which led only to confusion, something the so called prophet spoke against.

It should be noted that there are plenty of things that Drew Ali mentioned that held relevance. Yet at the end of the night, we are dealing with a disorganized group of African-Americans that claim they have a nationality, yet have no nation. Doesn't that snatch the root out of the movement? If you don't have a nation, how can you have a government? Yes, my friends, I see what Drew Ali attempted to do, but the fact is HE DIDN'T DO IT!

My former branch apparently only has seven members across the United States. If they have more, I'd estimate 20 (LOL). The branch I was in before them, sadly enough, was a similar situation. Mind you, this movement has been around since 1913.

And just when you thought I was done, the story continues! Look at a Grand Sheik's (a temple leader in the movement) response to a legitimate question on a blog by the M.S.T. of A. The lack of spirituality in the reply is evident and one questioning Drew Ali's divinity should not offend a member if he or she is secure in his faith. I was taught in the temple to not argue religion. Apparently, the leaders need to take a script of their own medicine.

1. rise Praising The Great God of The Universe,Honoring Allahs Prophet,honors to all whom are honorable.

   Islam,Bro.----- -- in reading this posting,I have issues with foreign terms of “hadith” and “da’wah”. Surah 10:47 of the Noble Quran states “To every people (was sent) a Messenger” In order for that Messenger to be sent to a nation he had to speak the national language of that particular people.What is the national language of Moorish Americans? ----- -- could you show me in Prophet Noble Drew Ali oral statements where he invited ones to speak a foreign language? I humbly await your reply

   
   

2. admin Says:
   May 23rd, 2009 at 5:19 pm

   Islam -----I will first answer your questions but what first troubled me, as a Moorish American Moslem, is the fact that you allowed this brother to question your Prophet as being Holy. I question the fact that you didn’t address this enemy of the Prophet and his insinuating that our Holy and Illustrious Prophet was a failure. Now, what is the root of this issue? Is it that we are doing what the Prophet said on the back of the Questionaire and you are having a problem with it? (what's all the beef for-my emphasis) The Back of our Questionaire which contains Our Authority states,” The Moorish Science Temple of America deriving its power and authority from the Great Koran of Mohammed to propagate the faith and extend the learning and truth of the Great Prophet of ALI in America”.
   What does, ”extend the learning” mean? Isn’t English composed of many different languages and terms; ie, terms such as: fiancé’, rendezvous, etc.? Didn’t the Prophet say that we had to take this to the East and uplift our brothers and sisters over there? We are identifying with the whole Islamic world by extending the learning or in other words,” furthering” or “building upon the foundation”. By the way, our ancient forefathers and mothers spoke many languages and one of them being Arabic. Matter of fact, we study many languages in the Grand Body. We study Wolof and Arabic.
   Now, I pray that you aren’t the ------------ that goes by the name ------------ that refuses to return the Warrant of Authority given to you by the Supreme Grand Sheik? If that is the case, you would be an embezzler of the faith and not worthy of being recognized as a Moor (nothing like a leader that lets the whole world know internal discrepancies within an organization that barely has a rock to stand on!!!- my emphasis).
   Well, I hope this answers your questions. As you can see, we are in the Law and Follow the Prophet in works, words, and deeds.
   Peace and Love, ----- -- GS (Grand Sheik)

And this is a Sheik, someone of religious authority responding in this fashion-wow!! Reminds me of baptist church drama.

DREW ALI DID NOT HAVE WHAT IT TOOK TO MAKE AFRICAN AMERICANS A NATION!! NEITHER DID GARVEY!

Not to say they weren't on to something at all, but I'd be a fool to elevate Ali's impact over Garvey.

So if any of your Moors wanna talk to me, I come in peace and love but freedom of speech is something! Show me your vast nation. Show me what your government has done. Show me what the Moors are doing in the community RIGHT NOW. 96 years is plenty of time don't you think? Show me your country. And don't try to say this is our country because the Europeans took that from us a long time ago. Show me the the legitimacy of the term "Moorish" American. How does it compare to a Nigerian-American? Last time I checked, Moorish is not a country and never has been (nationalities contain country-Continent). Does the United States Government even recognized your nationality? The Indians have laws on the books-did Drew Ali establish that for his so called nation? Has your constitution been amended to adjust with modern times? If the movement is so legitimate, how come the different branches don't come together?

Lastly, I ask the Moors, if Muhammad (peace be upon him) was around, would he unite with the M.S.T. of A? Or would you be slain for blasphemy? Islam is the straight path and this movement's path is definitely crooked. So to state it clearly, I believe the latter choice in the aforesaid question would be appropriate.

*Disclaimer
I'm closing the casket...this blog is the death of the M.S.T.of A. (Moment of Silence Please).

Power Quote of the Week

If government were a product, selling it would be illegal.

-P.J. O'Rourke

Lupe Fiasco: An Old School Soul Resurfaces in Modern Day Hip Hop

We talked earlier this week about Hip-Hop and it's lack of variety. We discussed its lack of political topics in lyrics, and we spoke of the impact that corporations have had on the market. However, I wanted to point out an exception.

Lupe Fiasco is one of the rare exceptions to Monday's blog. On first listen, it almost sounds like he is literally just throwing words in a bowl and making gumbo, but when you listen closer to Lupe, he actually is making a lot of sense. Ironically, associates in my hip-hop network in North Florida aren't to impressed with him. Go figure. Let me guess, any hip-hop artist that makes to much sense is given the thumbs down (are you taking the time to listen?)?

Here is a man that grew up with the geeks and gangsters. In other words, though he grew up in the slum side of Chicago, he still attracted those that didn't follow the trends of the "ghetto." In the interview for his USA Character Approved Award, Lupe noted, "If I tell a lie and I sell a million records, I've just told a million lies." In addition, he noted, I speak about things that are "meaningful."

Even moreso, I'm impressed with his creativity. Lupe new if he spoke on "meaningful" subjects to profoundly, he would be blacklisted like many other artists. Instead, he chose hip poppy beats and chose his words and delivery carefully to create an overall package that the average ear can listen to. Things like this don't happen overnight. Listen to Lupe speak on the psychology of "The Cool," and you'll find that he put together an elaborate scheme to address the pertinent issues that he felt he needed to get off his chest. Young artist who are viewing this blog should take notes.

*P.S.- Make sure you watch "Conflict Diamonds." The song alone educates the listener to the struggle specific Africans endure so millions can wear a diamonds. We need more of these kind of songs in hip-hop.

Walmart Has More Rights than Dred Scott Ever Had

Do you know about Dred Scott? He was a slave that sued the U.S Government in order to restore his freedom. To make a long story short, he moved to free territory (slavery was illegal) with his masters. He then sued the Fed's for his freedom asserting it was illegal to prohibit his freedom on free land. The United States Supreme court disagreed. The reasoning for such measures, according to the court, was that Dred Scott wasn't a "person." We can presume that this ruling was based merely on the color of skin. So the word person, as it is written in the constitution, does not apply for Mr. Scott.

Meanwhile, a corporation like Wal-Mart, because of previous precedent in federal courts, is considered a person. This, my fellow readers, was a historical moment in the American legal system. As soon as corporations were deemed humans, this automatically meant that corporations had more rights than Dred Scott as well as the slaves of that era. Talk about big business. On another note, it doesn't seem fair that a man can judge who is a human/person or not does it? Aren't we all humans? I guess not.

Since I read the book Constitutional Chaos by Andrew Napalitano, I've become a fan of his assertiveness in holding our government accountable for breaking its own laws. I'm excited about his new book, "Dred's Scott Revenge-A legal history of race in America," and I look forward to sharing with you the knowledge I gain from the read.

If you thought I was joking about Wal-Mart having more rights than a human, click here and see it with you own eyes.

The Future of Hip-Hop: Uncertain at Best

Okay, I'm a 70's baby so I got a chance to see hip-hop evolve from the baby stage through its adulthood. We should be proud of hip-hop for it's longevity. Even my dad told me when I was young that hip-hop would fade away like disco did. But back then, hip-hop was refreshing. It was full of variety, and it's vast flavors could be heard when you turned on your radio.

Now, the influx of corporations, and even more key, the merging of corporations have put hip-hop in a box. Yes, outsiders have come into the urban culture and now play chess with the future of hip-hop. As an aritst, producer, manager of a hip-hop entertainment company and a fan of the art, I am highly disappointed with where hip-hop has gone in the last 5 years.

You know as well as I know that the bulk of what we hear commercially is overly processed garbage. To put it mildly, there is not much soul in mainstream hip-hop anymore. Now, the music is so distorted that though the most hits seemingly are made for teeny boppers, I see grown men playing some of these hideous tracks. I'm not "dissing" the artist because everybody has to make a living. I don't mind a Souljah Boy or two either, but when Souljah Boy opens up a whole new market of artists and listeners, I see how stupid this game has gotten.

Meanwhile, the artist that do have something to say lack promotion and are put on the back burner of major labels. Could hip-hop be brainwashing the minds of are youth? Any smart man would atleast say possibly. This is why I don't play this trash in my car when my son is in the vehicle. Heck, I barely even listen to the radio these days. I know about swag, understand balling, don't sell dope, and don't have 20 inch rims. In addition, I dislike the terms bitch, nigga, dog, hoodnigga, hoe, etc....How can I relate to the majority of these horrid tunes?

Lastly,where is the political presence in hip-hop? I can tell you that there is little to none on a mainstream level. But there was a point when you could turn on the radio and learn about your culture, gain pride for your ancestors, and gain new uplifting knowledge. Lets let YouTube affirm my notion.





Need I say more?

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised!

I remember hearing that quote back in Spike Lee's prime. Yes, the revolution will not be Televised. This is not to say that it will not be presented to us. Moreover, it's to say that the revolution will be so all encompassing, one will not foresee the ends to its means once it's presented.

Bit by bit, the pieces of the New World Order (N.W.O), but everyone will sleep on it. They will actually contribute to this new global scheme of world domination by Europe. When they witness the atrocities that will result afterwards,the desire to research history to find some justification for the occurrences will arise in the masses. Unfortunately, by then it will be to late.

John Henricke Clarke noted in his book Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust, "Slavery and the Rise of the European Capitalism,
"They have already proven that they have a mission in mind, irrespective of religion, politics or cultural affiliation and that mission is to dominate the world and all of its resources by any means necessary. The new rationale for this dominance is now called a New World Order [my emphasis]. Africans and other non-European people must plan and strategize for a New World Order for their own that will be developed by them, for them. Our mission should not be to conquer Europe, but to contain Europe within its borders and let it be known that anything Europe wants from other parts of the world can be had through honorable trade."

History is the best teacher, and if we take an honest look at the timeline of historical events, from their escape from the Church of England, Europeans of the so called New World have come to power on the backs of indigenous cultures. Afrikans, who became Negroes under the authority of their masters, took the brunt of this labor. Not only were we forced to work but outsiders also purged our history from written record, took credit for most of our accomplishments, trained us to hate our own brother and sister (See the Willie Lynch documents here), and equated our inherent logic to one of a beast.

You show me a so called "black man" that does not see the significance of all "blacks" uniting on an international front, and I'll show you a man who still has the same thinking that his ancestors had no choice to accept in the 18th century.

In America, we look at other cultures resentment to the United States. Japan, China, Venezuela and Iran are classic examples. Any culture that took pride in inducing the biggest holocaust to humanity (and had the nerve to say it was the Christian thing to do) should be treated cautiously. Sadly, because of how long it took to get formal apologies, we are just now beginning to see apologies from our government for the slavery that built this country from the ground up. Does a formal apology do anything to help our condition? Doubted.

I look at the tube and praise Allah that I don't have cable. I look to the news and find history repeating itself. I see our youth being swayed towards ungodly ideals everyday. Politicians are blatantly in the business for their own benefits, and the land of the free and home of the brave seems that it's close to running it's empire in a ditch. How long can any great empire last anyway?

The revolution will not be televised because what you see on T.V. is not the revolution, moreso, you see the small bits and pieces that are needed for this revolution to be initiated(it's already in progress). If we don't combat their revolution with our own, where will we be at the end of the night?

Laws are in place to protect your natural rights that God gave you-but if you don't defend them, history can show you were you will be down the road.

Wanting Heaven but Reaching for Hell (Part 1)

Two weeks ago, I made a decision to stop drinking. I felt it was necessary for several reasons, all basically centered around spiritual ideals. Remember last Monday, we opened the week discussing how the internal love that exist within us is strong enough to blossom any virtuos attributes in our characters if we so choose.

But in the entertainment industry, I find some of the strangest and most illogical thoughts. What do I mean? Well, honestly, I get the weirdest reactions when I tell people I've quit. Most are in disbelief until they realize that I've been drinking Sprite all night. I've received one congratulation, and several other nudges of encouragement.

But then, I also have been getting this warped kind of pyschological paradox from people. For instance, one associate said that his boss told him that he was a d#@K when he sobered up. In addition, he noted that he would go several weeks without drinking just to prove he could quite...and then start drinking again.

Yesterday night at the gig, I told the bartender I will be ordering no alcohol all night. After letting her know I quit, she noted, "I had a rough one last night." I told her, "I've had one to many rough ones."

Now, we as humans want heaven but our minds seem to reach for hell. What do I mean? I simply mean that our own thinking drops poisonous seeds that blossom and circumvent the good which we were born to create. Moreover, I know plenty of people that have substance abuse problems, want to change, acknowledge that they're wrong, yet perpetually continue to hurt themselves. Why? There are many reasons, and surely I can relate. In fact, I'm just like you.

This is why in Islam, our holy book asserts that we are children of Adam. In other words, we are more inclined to follow our own will, not the harmonious will that exists within us. Ironically, however, we all are inherently created to be representatives of the Most High. Think about it. No matter what you want, at some point you have to reach out and grab it. Your mind dictates what you want and your actions navigate your reach; therefore, the average human being wants heaven but reaches for hell.

I'm sorry to tell you that in this life, you can't have your cake and eat it to. So long as nature has existed, we know that everything comes in pairs. The same can be said for our personalities and characters and if we are wise, at some point in our lives, we make a choice and stick with it. We decide not only do we want heaven, but we are willing to put ourselves in position to receive heaven. This means one has to acquire a shift in thought. It's like being blindfolded and taking someone's hand through the forest. Though you can't see, you left the force or the divine will guide your steps (instead of the person leading you).

When you make a decision to dedicate your life to the divine will that exists within you, you should not feel like the average person. You should not feel worldly. You should feel like an alien on a unknown planet. Your goal: to uphold your creeds from you native home.

This shift is important because we are Lords of this plane. The average person lets the world dictate to them who they will be. They will go with the flow and become sucked in the ways of this rigid world and by doing so, they take on all the negative aspects that we see from this world. Our only sane wall of defense is free will and our minds. Stay tuned for part two.

Today's Power Quote

The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with caution.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Spoken by Albus Dumbledore.

Do We All Come From the Same Place?

There are interesting theories on where we as human beings come from. Anthropologist and Scientist admit that, so far as they have found, Africa is the birthplace of human civilization. Lets face it, our educational system on who we are as human beings and our inherent birthplace is foggy at best. The western world often refers to the "Adam and Eve" story. However, that story only dates back to 5,000+ years ago. I have evidence on my books shelf that places the Sphinx atleast 40,000 years old.

Even the Bible suggest or infers that others existed before Adam in Genesis. For instance, if Cain was the offspring of Adam and Eve, how quickly were they popping out babies? After the infamous first murder of the Bible, Cain says upon knowing he will be put in exile by Allah himself: "I will be a restless wanderer on the earth and whoever finds me will kill me." (Gen. 4:13)

My point is if these were truly the first siblings in humanity, where did the other people come from who would find Cain on his nomadic venture? Furthermore, whats up with Nod, the land east of Eden? Cain goes there and finds a wife? Hmmm. So there were other people around! (Gen 4:17). But then Allah said NO, no one touches (murders) Cain, thus giving him the "mark" for protection. In other words, these other people were going to kill him had it not been for Allah and his graceful pardon(Gen 4:15). According to Cain, people would discover him and kill him..lol.

So I have just proven how the first several pages of the Bible does not offer clear cut answers on the beginning times of man. And for your info, Adam had two different sets of offspring (Gen 4:25/4:1)

Now, the rabbit whole gets deeper. If indeed the dark hue man was the first, that would make him indigeneous-a direct descendant from God in laymen terms. So where did the pale skin man come from? Lets mention a couple of theories on this topic. There is a Vitamin D albino theory which states that Europeans were dark hue until they moved to colder regions in which they adapted and transformed into a entirely different race.

There is a theory that ancient Egyptians (pre-dynasty) created the European race. As Bobby Hemmit said, they deemed it an "experiment gone bad." If you think this notion is far fetch, realize that cloning exist now and there is nothing new under the son according to Solomon. Anyway it goes, science shows that they are not the original man.

So the logical question is what are they and how do they differ from melanin infused people? Now, in all fairness, if you are on this earth, you deserve to be treated in fairness and equality...regardless. All I'm saying is where can they be traced back in ancient history? And if the Sphinx is atleast 40,000 years old, why are we told that man's history can only be traced back to Adam and Eve? There is a thin line between science, history, and spirtuality. Things that make you go hmm. Take the time to look at this discourse from Bobby Hemmit, it's quite interesting.

Oronde's Quote of the Week

Okay, for all my readers, I've decided to make Friday a "Power Quote" day. I will dig through the trillions of web pages and get you a quote that will make you contemplate your brilliance. All quotes will be inspirational while being injected with conciseness and understanding. So our first quote reads like this:

"Education begins a gentleman, conversation completes him."
-Sayings of British Origin

The Illuminati: Fact or Fiction?

Feels like conspiracy theory week for me coming off my last blog! But in my daily research of the web this week, I've been coming across some edgy political content. So, yet again, we have another take on a conspiracy theory, this time from Sean Hannity and a couple of scholars. They give their take on the Illuminati. Now I have heard about the Illuminati for the longest but this clip supposedly reveals the founder and the overall initial purpose of this secret society.

Of course it would take a movie like "Angels and Demons" to get this kind of topic in the press, but for what it's worth, it's interesting. My opinion-since you are already interested in it is: YES, the smallest percentage of people in the world (no more than 5%) are pulling strings that have an impact on us globally. So, does that mean our president is a puppet? Oronde says yes. Do you believe in the concept of a "New World Order." Oronde says yes.

But at the end of the night, I'm not worried. This is why we should focus more on our inner self instead of our outer self. The things we do to tap into the infinite side of us has implications way beyond the doubt and fear that can be created by these theories. Our faith in a higher being must supersede any worldly fears, doubts or desires. But for what it's worth, take a look.

Obama Deception? Really?

I don't give any power to these conspiracy theories. But part 2 of the Obama Deception from Alex Jones is off the chain! Shots out to KRS-One who made appearances. Yes, looks like KRS is siding with Alex's theory.

The Beauty of the Inner Self

"Islam does not demand unreasoned belief. Rather, it invites intelligent faith, growing from observation, reflection, and contemplation, beginning with nature and what is all around us."
-Thomas Cleary writer for IslamiCity.com

"I call to witness...the soul and how it was integrated and given the faculty of knowing what is disruptive and what is intrinsic to it."
-Sura 91:8

I wanted to start off the week by purely addressing spirituality and how we can make it work for ourselves. First, regardless of your faith, we all know that God has already engraved in us morality. And perhaps it's beyond our understanding, but surely we inherently know right from wrong.

As human beings, we have to pay more attention to ourselves. Yes, that small voice that speaks inside of our mind. Often we ignore, or minimize its purpose but what if we were to listen to the still small voice that speaks from within? Normally, we make excuses and just end up succumbing to the wrong train of thought. How many times has that voice confirmed something was wrong before you committed the act?

Think of this theory: Humanity, by in large, is out of tune with themselves. This feeds into a kind of reverse psychology. In other words, the bad becomes the norm to the degree that the norm is accepted as acceptable!
But the scriptures reveal that there is a radar in all of us (the soul) which sways us to doing God's will. No matter how much dirt and dross you bury it in, it's still there. That means, at anytime in a man's life, he can decide to pull the shovel out and remove the filth which clouds his mind. This will lead to righteous thoughts which leads to righteous thinking, which ultimately leads to perfection.

So as all the prophets call for, we must change! We talked about this before. Repentance comes in degrees and it should. How do I know? Well if thoughts come before actions, we have to explore how we think to solve our outer forms of folly.

But you have to take a look in the mirror and just be pathetically real and honest with yourself! Make adjustments from there, and in the back of your mind, know that you will change-it's just a matter of YOU doing it.

So when you listen to this song...realize that love is already in you. God is already within you. The spirit of peace has been engraved in your very being. All you have to do is use it.