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"Martin Luther King"
On January 15, 1929
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born
God sent him here on a mission
For America to be transformed
He was a peaceful and God-fearing man
Who just wanted to do God's will
He attended the most prestigious institutions
And had unique conciliatory and oratorical skills
He was a pastor and an intelligent leader
An advocate of nonviolent social change
He realized this country had racial issues
And the "system" had to be rearranged
So he decided to fight America's injustices
Even though he constantly faced opposition
He had personal courage and strength
And stayed focused on his mission
He opposed segregation
And boycotted Montgomery bus by bus
Forcing Congress to change the laws
Which made things better for all of us
During that era
There was lots of bloodshed, sweat, and tears
A lot of disappointment and oppression
Discouragement, doubts, and fears
King's house was bombed
He was threatened, but yet he persevered
He was discredited, ostracized, and criticized
But for his life, he didn't fear
Even though the Movement was difficult
The Civil Rights Struggle wasn't in vain
Some people were beaten, jailed, and even died
But as a result, this nation started to change
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Outlawed public facilities segregation
It also outlawed racial discrimination
In employment and education
Several laws were passed regarding discrimination
But many Blacks didn't economically advance
So King started the Poor People's Campaign
Which gave both Blacks and those of other races a better chance
In 1964, King was honored
And received the Nobel Peace Prize
In spite of all the controversy
And all the vicious lies
He publicly criticized America's intervention
In the Vietnam War
Which soured his relationship with President Johnson
And caused his unpopularity to soar
He also emphasized the importance
Of Black voting rights
And fought for union recognition and better wages
During the Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike
Many opportunities became available
To Blacks, women, and non-Whites
Thank God for King's courage and determination
It was definitely worth the fight
Tragically on April 4, 1968
King was "allegedly" assassinated by James Earl Ray
Then in 1986
King's birthday became a Federal holiday
So now it's up to us
To keep Martin Luther King's dream alive
If we don't continue to pursue equality and justice
All the progress we've made will surely die
Dr. King said, "That we, as a People,
Will get to the Promise Land."
But in order for this to occur
We all, have to take a stand
So let's stay focused on our mission
And "Let Freedom Ring"
Let's continue his legacy
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King
Except from Inspired, Uplifted, and Enlightened! © 2004 by Kim Broussard
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"A Man Shouldn't Cry"
Some men feel
A man shouldn’t cry
They think it’s a sign of weakness
But that’s not a valid reason why
A man is a human
Who’s full of emotions
No need to put on a façade
And just go through the motions
If something’s bothering you
Your emotions are the first thing you try to hide
If you don’t release them
They’re going to build up inside
Don’t you know that crying is natural?
A healthy tension release
If you don’t get rid of the emotional poison
The build-up will definitely increase
It will tear you to pieces
You might think you’re insane
Eventually it could ruin your health
While your problems will remain the same
If you hold back your emotions
Your stress level will increase
As long as you don’t express yourself
You hold on to the pain, sorrow, and grief
Why don’t you let go and let God?
Work it out for you
He will make your burdens lighter
And He’s able to take you through
Don’t try to play the macho man
Stop acting like it’s all okay
Don’t worry about the fellows
And what they might say
So stand up and be an honest man
And break down and cry
Release your emotions
And stop living a lie
If you don’t want your tears
To drown you inside
Shove aside your ego
And have a good cry!
There’s nothing wrong with a man expressing pain, sorrow, or grief. And there’s certainly nothing wrong when a man cries. It only shows that he’s a compassionate person and a human being.
Jesus Christ—the Savior of the World—cried when he saw Mary weeping over the death of her brother, Lazarus. Jesus also cried while he was being crucified.
Except from Inspired, Uplifted, and Enlightened! © 2004 by Kim Broussard
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"Love Doesn't Hurt"
To make a relationship work—it takes two.
But if it's one-sided—it's not going to work
No matter what you do.
Every time you turn around
He cursed you out and put you down.
He called you a slut and called you a whore
And even threw your naked behind right out the door.
He lied and cheated on you, too
And many other terrible things
he has put you through.
He slammed you against the wall
Broke your ribs and that's not all.
He disrespected you in front of family and friends
And broke your heart all over again.
Don't you get the message?
He's Not Going To Change.
Wake up before it's too late
Or your face might be rearranged.
You've been his punching bag
Down through the years.
What have you gotten out of this relationship?
Nothing but headaches, heartaches and tears.
He thinks he's a big man
Because he's in control
But he's nothing but a bully
Playing a macho role.
You need to drop that zero.
What have you got to lose?
If you don't leave that man alone
You'll continue to be abused.
Haven't you gotten the message yet?
Love Doesn't Hurt.
A man who loves a woman
Doesn't treat her like dirt.
So stop looking through rose-colored glass.
He's not going to stop putting you down.
How much longer do you think you'll last?
Love and Respect Yourself
That's what life should be all about.
If you don't get out of that relationship
You might be carried out.
A relationship is a good thing if you’re with someone who really loves, respects, honors, and cherishes you. I’m not talking about someone who says—with words—that he loves you. I’m talking about an individual who shows you. I believe—the majority of the time—the words “I Love You” are just that— words. They are words used to manipulate someone or to gain something. But real love isn’t just a word. Real love is action.
If you’re in a relationship in which you are physically, verbally, or emotionally abused—Get Out Of It! I don’t care what your family will say, what your friends will say, or even what your church will say. You’re the one who’s taking the abuse—not them. When you know that you’ve done the best you could do to make the relationship work and the situation is getting worse—it’s time to let it go! If you’re married or living with someone who’s abusive and controlling, it will affect you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It will also affect your children. And years later their children.
God didn’t put you on earth to be abused. He put you here to live an abundant life, He wants you to be happy and live a life that’s prosperous in all aspects. If you’re living with an abuser, eventually he’s going to break your spirit. And when it comes to that point, you’re not much good to yourself, to your children, or to God. You will be spiritually drained from all the stress that’s in your life. And you can’t focus on God or grow in the Lord if you’re living in fear, depressed, or miserable. Once your spirit is broken, you can’t go forward in the Lord because you are distracted by your problems of abuse. You’re living in a very unhealthy environment and you should desire a better life for yourself and your children. That’s what God wants for you!
If a man constantly—or from time to time—hits you, curses you out, belittles you or controls you—that relationship is unhealthy. And if YOU don’t make a decision and take the first step to change your situation, your family and friends might be visiting you in the intensive care unit or paying their last respects at your grave.
Make a decision to take control over your life—Today! And ask God to help you. Get out of that relationship and don’t look back! Your life may depend on it.
Love Yourself. And Don’t Love Him To Death!
If you are afraid
Ask God for courage.
If you feel weak
Ask God to give you strength.
If you feel threatened or that harm may come to you
Ask God to protect you.
Now step out on faith!
Love is beautiful...
If doesn’t hurt.
Except from Inspired, Uplifted, and Enlightened! © 2004 by Kim Broussard
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