The Road To Failure…

Spiritual Vitamin “Soul food 4 thought”:

PREFACE: We all fail in life at some point or another; teachers, doctors, lawyers, preachers, political leaders etc; but one thing is common to all of these cases. Failure does not just happen instantaneously. Normally, it’s a process. Christians do not suddenly tank, it too is also a step by step process down the road to failure. An example of such failure was in the story of Lot who was a righteous man that believed, but failed to use his life for God. He traveled the road of failure and it can very well happen to any Christian. Your life can be one that stands for God or one that’s in shamble as far as the external values. How disgraceful it would be to stand before God proclaiming a destitute life and serving no useful purpose at all.. Therefore, as growing Christians let us make every effort to avoid going down the road to failure.

The story of Lot‘s first failure came as a result of his myopic and unjust perspective. His selfish choice “it‘s all about me“,was based on what seem to be the best deal at the time.. Lot had the wrong perspective due to his lack of communion with God. This same viewpoint is similar to that of the Christian who is not in fellowship with the Lord. Secular, selfish and shortsighted…. Like Lot many of us travel this road to failure when we take our eyes off God and focus on all the worldly possibilities available to us. Shallow it may be, but it‘s natural for us to gravitate to that which will bring us the most pleasure, power, and prestige. God‘s word clearly states what this world has to offer us is doomed. Like Sodom and Gomorrah, this world is programmed for God’s judgment. It is only a matter of time before the earth itself will be destroyed and replaced with a new heaven and earth in which righteousness dwells. Knowing this, why would you invest your time and money into materialism that has no eternal value? This action is sure to lead you down a road of failure.

Although Abraham and Lot had the same biological, social, and cultural backgrounds there was contrasting differences between the two. Abraham, a faithful believer, having the right perspective and outlook on things walked with, and in communion with the Lord. Lot, a believer also, did not worship or call on the Lord. What about us? Do we have a life of an Abraham perspective or a Lot perspective?

The book of Hebrews tells us Abraham was looking for a city with a solid foundation and with God as the architect. Abraham was resting by faith on the promises of God’s word to him and not taking interest in synthetic cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. He was concerned with more solid foundations–the eternal values of God. What kind of city are you looking for?

Lot’s second faux pas on the road to failure was his flirting with the worldly idea to move in the region of Sodom, but not completely. This is usually the next step in a Christian’s failure. It‘s not a matter of living in “open sin”. It’s just a move in the wrong direction. Examples being; taking a job which involves unethical practice, involvement in worldly extracurricular activities that are not Christian like, or loving an irresistible unbeliever; all these can be “innocent” moves in the wrong direction and not long before the move into Sodom. Again, what contrast we see in Abraham. Yes, he moved also but in a totally different direction. The high country of Hebron is where he built an altar unto the Lord… There the lord promised him the entire land. Why not move? God said he will someday return and setup his kingdom on earth. Faithful and enduring Christians in this life are promised an abundant share in that kingdom.

Lot‘s association with Sodom caused him much strife and turmoil, unlike Abraham who was free from all this nonsense. Not free to the degree of uncaring, because he cared about his mate Lot and decided to help him, This to is a lesson for Christians proper relationship to this world. A Godly walk will deliver us from much of the turmoil and confusion of this secular world but we must do our part to help the people who are caught in its choke hold. We should as Christians do all we can to “rescue” our failing brothers and sisters in Christ. Like Abraham, it doesn‘t mean we have to embellish the “Sodom system” in order to help the people there. In fact, that is precisely why we can help because we‘re not part of that system. The bible claims we are to be transformed and not conform to the world. Jesus said be in contact with the world but not part of the evil world system. Abraham was not “sucked in” by the King of Sodom. It wasn’t by chance though; God has his ways of strengthening us at crucial times.

By now, Lot is fully ensnared in the affairs of Sodom eventually losing everything, but his life. If I may, Lot was some new fool!!! Too preposterous for belief, another step on the road to failure. You would think by now, Lot had learned his lessons from the love Abraham demonstrated earlier in helping him. It‘s fair to say failing believers become hardened to love and common sense. Imagine Abraham’s frustration at this point which many of us can surely identify with. Sometimes it takes a very earth-shattering and traumatic experience to get a believer out of Sodom. A visit from angels and fire from heaven finally forced Lot from Sodom, but not without great struggle. Sadly, Abraham an outsider, garnered more respect from the King of Sodom in one day than Lot did in a lifetime. Like Lot, the ensnared Christian may not be involved in the “grosser” sins of this world, but his thinking becomes twisted and distorted because he is out of touch with God.

All Lot’s failures, began with a choice, having disastrous effects upon him, his family and finally on all of Israel. Lot‘s story is a transparent and earnest warning for every Christian. Living in the “City of Sodom” is nothing more than a dispirited illusion and desolate demise. I trust you will travel the road with greater purpose and not the one to failure!

 Blessings,

~ BJS

Soul Food Sides:
Genesis 13;14;19] [2peter 2:7-8] [1corinth 3:11-15] [2corinth 5:10] [Genesis 11:12] [Genesis 12:1-3]

Vita Quotes:

“Don‘t attempt to be no one but yourself, because everyone else is taken.“ ~Wilde

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow and learn as if you were to live forever.“~ Ghandi

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a cancelled check, today is all the cash you have so spend it wisely.“ ~B. Smith

Motivational Vitamin:

Enjoy life:

By enjoying who you are, you bring out the best you can be. When you enjoy what you‘re doing, what you‘re doing will create great value. When you find something to truly enjoy about where you are, you also find new and rewarding possibilities.

By enjoying the moment you‘re in, you bring unique richness to your life. It‘s not the situation itself that determines whether or not life is enjoyable. It‘s the way you choose to respond to the situation. Enjoyment is not a certain, pre-defined set of circumstances. Enjoyment is a choice.

The more conditions you put on your enjoyment of life, the less time you‘ll spend experiencing enjoyment. Instead of weighing down your enjoyment with arbitrary conditions, set it free by making it unconditional. Enjoy life, wherever you are and whatever you‘re doing, just because you can. Enjoy life as it is, and your enjoyment makes it better and better.

Blessings,

~R.Martson

VITA VOCAB:

Disconcerting =to cause an emotional disturbance;

Placating= intending to pacify or acceding to demands or granting concessions;

Capitulate =to surrender under agreed conditions, or terms;

THOUGHT PROVOKING….

1. WHAT FASCINATES YOU MOST?
   
2. WHAT HAS HAPPEN TO YOU THAT MADE YOU STRONGER?
   
3. WOULD YOU RATHER BE RICH AND PARALYZED FROM THE WAIST DOWN OR POOR AND ABLE BODIED?
4. IF SOMEONE COULD TELL YOU THE DAY AND TIME YOUR WERE GOING TO DIE WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN THE LAST DAY ?
   
5. IF YOU HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO SIT DOWN WITH MARTIN LUTHER KING WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW FROM HIM?
6. WHAT ARE YOU GLAD THAT YOU QUIT DOING?
   
7. WHAT REGRETS IN LIFE DO YOU HAVE, IF ANY? WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ?
   
8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIVING AND EXISTING?
   
9. WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE AT THIS MOMENT?
   
10. IF YOUR LIFE WAS A NOVEL, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TITLE AND HOW WOULD YOUR STORY END?
    
11. WHAT IS ONE RANDOM AND ECCENTRIC FACT ABOUT YOU?
    
12. WHAT’S SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT HAS NEVER CHANGED THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
13. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HAPPINESS IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
14. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOVE AND INFATUATION?
    
15. IF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WERE TRAPPED IN A BURNING FIRE AND YOU COULD ONLY SAVE ONE OF THEM WHO WOULD IT BE?
    
16. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU COULD DO OVER IN LIFE ?
    
17. WHAT DOES BEAUTY LOOK LIKE IN THE DARK?
    

Democrats Stands For …. Pt. 1

Education, civil rights, open government, voting rights, health care, job creation, economic revitalization, and social securtiy/retirement to name a few. Individuals on social security received their first cost of living increase in two years…first time it has taken this long to get an increase since COLA was established in 1975.

When it comes to education democrats claim it’s about more than getting into a good college, a good job when you graduate, it’s about a chance at a promising future and being the best one can be according to President Obama.  Democrats share the commitment of preparing our children to lead lives of success and happiness which is why they are dedicated to ensuring the next gen is equipped with the tools to have a first- rate education…a vital component which is necessary to propel our economy into the future. Our country is strongest when our workers are trained with knowledge and skill sets that allow individuals to perform at high levels. Every child should have the opportunity to reach that pinnacle and fulfill the “American Dream”.  To their credit, Democrats have long valued education as the key to success for both the individual and our nation.

In recent years Democrats have increased access to higher education and restructured the financial aid. In addition, federal aid programs are easier to understand, more reliable, and efficient for students. President Obama signed into law, student loan reform which ended govt. subsidies to big banks and made college more affordable to millions of Americans. Second, only to the G.I.Bill.  Currently, President Obama is working on the overhaul of the ‘NO Child Left Behind” program that provide teachers with minimal support and resources; while ultimately holding them accountable. The Democrats also instituted the ‘Race to the top” a revolutionary program designed to promote innovation and to also provide incentives for improving education. Many states have already made provisions to encompass these measures. Democrats recognize education as the most pressing economic issue in America’s future, and we cannot allow our country to fall behind in a global market economy. We must prepare the next generation for success in college and in the workforce as a means to ensure that American children once again become global leaders in creativity, innovation and achievement.

• Reforming the fed student loan program and making college more affordable
  
• Promoting community service and civic engagement.( Edward Kennedy Serve Act)
  
• Investing in early childhood education (Recovery Act) for programs such as head start, EHS , childcare, and special needs programs.t
  
• Shared responsibility and shared Prosperity vision for living within our nations means
  
• Latinos and Educations town hall
  
• Boosting college graduation rate across the country.
  

Democrats stand for the values of hard work and responsibility, and we know that as a country we are most successful when we invest in our people—middle-class families and small business owners—who can grow our economy from the bottom up. Together, we have begun to lay a new foundation for growth, building an economy that works for all Americans. 

As for economy and job creation, President Obama says ” I don’t believe we can have a strong and growing economy without a strong and growing middle class”. The Democrats are fighting valiantly to repair a decade of damage in an attempt to stimulate an economy based on hard work and responsibility, not greed and reckless speculation.  Strengthening our country and economic situation through economic and job stimulus programs directed towards the middle class will strengthen our country for years to come.

At this point, the recession has impacted nearly everyone in some way or another, but the heart of the American promise is our resilience to overcome hardship. Democrats are committed to helping all Americans confront these challenges…spurring job creation, rebuilding infrastructure, investing in clean energy tech, and restoring fairness and opportunity for all.

President Obama inherited an economy in free fall, with huge deficits, skyrocketing health care costs, dwindling employment, and banking and housing markets on the brink of collapse. Working with the President, Democrats stabilized the financial system and helped to prevent a second Great Depression. An economy that was losing 700,000 jobs a month is now gaining jobs. We still have a long way to go, but we are now moving forward on the road to recovery. Democrats recognize the importance of meeting our most urgent needs—not just in the short term but also in the long run. Starting with the passage of the Recovery Act, Democrats began a series of strategic investments in health care, energy, and education that are laying the groundwork to build a stronger economic foundation for the future. Democrats cut taxes for 95 percent of working families, provided help for small businesses and homeowners, and strengthened consumer protections for anyone who has a credit card or a bank loan. Despite Republican obstruction at almost every turn, Democrats have provided relief for hardworking Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Democrats reinstated fiscal responsibility in government spending and ensured that American taxpayers will never again be forced to bail out big banks.

We still have work to do, but Democrats are moving forward with a “Made in America” economic plan to strengthen American industries and create jobs for American workers by:

• Ending tax loopholes that let corporations hide profits overseas, and investing those dollars in small businesses that create jobs in America;
  
• Providing tax cuts to small businesses and expanding lending so that businesses can create new jobs;
  
• Investing in a clean-energy economy, and providing tax credits to spark manufacturing of windmills, solar panels, and electric cars here at home; and
  
• Putting Americans to work rebuilding roads, bridges, rails, and ports, strengthening our economy and our infrastructure across all 50 states.
  

What are Democrats doing to make change:

• Helping small businesses( passing the SBJA creating jobs and small business tax cuts.)
  
• Spurring manufacturing job creation(manufacture enhancements Act)
  
• Supporting Americans looking for work.(passing the Unemployment Comp Act )
  

To Be CONT…..

What’s Your Love Style ?

Love styles  AKA “colours “are MOs of how people love, originally developed by John Lee. He identified six basic love styles that people use in their interpersonal relationships:

• Eros – a passionate physical and emotional love based on aesthetic enjoyment; stereotype of romantic love.
  
• Ludus – a love that is played as a game or sport; conquest; may have multiple partners at once.
  
• Storge – an affectionate love that slowly develops from friendship, based on similarity. (kindred to Philia)
  
• Pragma – love that is driven by the head, not the heart; undemonstrative.
  
• Mania – obsessive love; experience great emotional highs and lows; very possessive and often jealous lovers.
  
• Agape – selfless altruistic love; spiritual.
  
  
  

  The Hendrick’s of Texas Tech University expanded on this theory in the mid-80s with their extensive research on what they called “love styles”. They have found that men tend to be more ludic, whereas women tend to be storgic and pragmatic. Mania is often the first love style teenager’s display. Relationships based on similar love styles were found to last longer. People often look for people with the same love style as themselves for a relationship. These styles are akin to the Greek types of love.Akin to limerence, eros is literally the love of Beauty. It is a highly sensual style of love.
  

  
  

  Erotic lovers choose their lovers by intuition or “chemistry.” They are more likely to say they fell in love at first sight than those of other love styles.
  Erotic lovers view marriage as an extended honeymoon, and sex as the ultimate aesthetic experience. They tend to address their lovers with pet names, such as “sweetie” or “sexy”. An erotic lover can be perceived as a hopeless romantic. Those of other love styles may see erotic lovers as unrealistic, or trapped in a fantasy.The advantage of erotic love is the sentimentality of it. It is very relaxing to the person doing it. The disadvantage is the inevitability of the decay in attraction, and the danger of living in a fantasy world. In its extreme, eros can resemble naïveté.

  
  Ludic lovers are players. More interested in quantity than quality of relationships, ludic lovers want to have as much fun as possible. Ludic lovers choose their partners by playing the field, and quickly recover from break-ups.Ludic lovers tend to view marriage as a trap, and are the most likely of the love styles to commit infidelity. They might view children as a sign of fertility of the parent or of the masculinity of the father. They regard sex as a conquest or a sport, and they engage in relationships because they see them as a challenge.The disadvantage of this love style is the likelihood of infidelity. In its most extreme form, ludic love can become sexual addiction.

  
  

  Storgic lovers are friends first. Storgic love develops gradually out of friendship, and the friendship can endure beyond the breakup of the relationship. Storgic lovers choose their mates based on homogamy, and sometimes cannot pinpoint the moment that friendship turned to love. Storgic lovers want their significant others to also be their best friends.Storgic lovers place much importance on commitment, and find their motivation to avoid committing infidelity is to preserve the trust between the partners. Children and marriage are seen as legitimate forms of their bond. Sex is of lesser importance than in some of the other love styles.This involves respect and understanding for another person.The advantage of storgic love is the level of intimacy between the partners. The disadvantage is the lack of passion.

  
  

  Pragmatic lovers think rationally and realistically about their expectations in a partner, and select them via comparison shopping or shopping-list love. Pragmatic lovers want to find value in their partners, and ultimately want to work with their partner to reach a common goal.Pragmatic lovers will avoid infidelity to avoid adverse consequences, and carefully weigh the costs and rewards of a relationship. Pragmatic lovers view sex as a reward or a means of procreation, and view marriage and children as potential liabilities and assets.The advantage of pragmatic love is practicality and realism. The disadvantage is un-demonstrativeness and lack of emotion. Pragmatic love should not be considered as negative type of love attitude. In collectivist culture where arranged marriage is practised, pragmatic love is very common at the time of mate selection . One must be culturally sensitive to have an understanding regarding pragmatic love.

  
  

  Manic lovers often have low self-esteem, and place much importance on their relationship. Manic lovers speak of their partners in possessives and superlatives, and feel they “need” their partners. Love is a means of rescue, or a reinforcement of value. Manic lovers often discover their partners by haphazard means.Manic lovers will avoid committing infidelity if they fear discovery. They view marriage as ownership, and children as either competition or a substitute for their lover. Sex is a reassurance of love. Manic lovers are often anxious or insecure, and can be extremely jealous. Manic lovers respond well to therapy, and often grow out of this style.

  The advantage of manic love is intensity. The disadvantages include jealousy, possessiveness, and insatiability. In its extreme, mania becomes obsession or co-dependency. One example, is that of John Hinckley attempt to assassinate President Reagan. Hinckley’s continuing behavior to date would seem to show that he has not been able to transcend his obsession, and this would again seem to be consistent with a deviant form of manic love

  
  

  Agapic love is self-sacrificing, all-encompassing love. Agapic lovers are often spiritual or religious people. Agapic lovers view their partners as blessings, and wish to take care of them.Agapic lovers will remain faithful to their partners to avoid causing them pain, and will often wait patiently for their partners after a break-up. Marriage and children are sacred trusts, and sex is a gift between two people. Agapic love believes itself to be unconditional, though lovers taking an agapic stance to relationships risk suffering from inattention to their own needs.

  The advantage of agapic love is its generosity. A disadvantage is that it can induce feelings of guilt or incompetence in a partner. In its deviant form, agape can become martyrdom. “Greater love (agape) hath no man than this, which he lay down his life for his friends.” – John, 15:13, Christian New Testament.. Martyrdom for principle may be acceptable; martyrdom to maintain a relationship is considered psychologically unhealthy.
  

  Hendrick and Hendrick (1986) developed a self-report questionnaire measure of Lee’s love styles, known as the Love Attitudes Scale (LAS).A shortened version of the LAS, presumably for researchers trying to keep their surveys as concise as possible, was later published, and other variations appear to have been used by some researchers.
  

  Respondents indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with the LAS items, examples of which include “My partner and I have the right physical ‘chemistry’” (Eros) and “Our love is the best kind because it grew out of a long friendship” (Storge). Depending on the version of the LAS one administers, there are from 3–7 items for each of the six styles described above.
  

  The article referenced following illustrates the use of the LAS.
  
   ~ J.Lee
  

Reggie White & Jerome Brown Gone To Soon!!!!

 

Many men have worn Eagles green throughout the years. One of the most beloved, by fans and teammates alike, was Jerome Brown.

On Feburary 4, 1965, in Brooksville, Florida, Annie Bell and Willie Brown had a baby boy. They named him Willie Jerome Brown III. Jerome was a great athelete as early as Junior High School. He starred not only on the football team, but also in baseball and basketball at Parrott Middle School in Brooksville.Jerome was already six feet tall and over 230 pounds in Junior High School. He had to hold back in football practices so he wouldn’t hurt his teammates. He later attended Hernando High School where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. He earned a scholarship to attend the University of Miami. Jerome was a freshman on Miami’s 1983 National Championship team.

During the 1986 season, Jerome was a consensus All-American at Miami. The Hurricanes finished the regular season undefeated, ranked #1 in both polls, and were set to meet Penn State in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl. This would be the fourth year in a row that he would be starting in a bowl game. There was some controversy involved in this game.The Miami players,led by Brown, arrived at Tempe wearing military fatigues, they also walked out on a media event to honor both teams. The game itself had no controversy, but was a great game. Penn State won 14-10 when Pete Giftopoulus intercepted a Vinny Testeverde pass at the goal line with 18 seconds left in the game. Jerome finished his miami career with 21 sacks,19 tackles for loss, 5 fumbles forced and 4 fumble recoveries. He was also a finalist for the 1986 Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award.

In 1987, The Eagles used their first round draft pick (9th overall) to select Jerome Brown out of Miami. Coach Buddy Ryan immediately named him starting right defensive tackle. He joined Reggie White, Clyde Simmons, and Mike Pitts to form one of the best defensive lines in the league. This was also a reunion with Reggie White, Jerome had looked up to White ever since he had attended a High School football camp where White was one of the instructors while playing for Tennessee. Despite hand and elbow injuries, and only playing 12 games, Jerome finished the season with 4 sacks and two interceptions. He was also voted to the NFL all rookie team and defensive rookie of the year. The Eagles finished the season with a 7-8 record.

1988 was a good year, Stats-wise J erome had 5 sacks and one interception. These stats do not tell the real story of his contribution to the team. he was a real force in the middle of the defensive line, often being double teamed, he was still very effective against the run. On passing downs, even when he didn’t get a sack, He occupied offensive linemen enough to allow the defensive ends White and Simmons the opportunity to get to the quarterback. The Eagles finished that year 10-6, but unfortunately lost to Chicago 20-12 in the fog bowl.

Although Jerome was becoming a big star in the NFL, He never forgot his roots. He returned to Brooksville every offseason. With his first paycheck from the Eagles he bought his parents a new house. Jerome also bought himself a house just outside of Brooksville. He was his hometowns hero. A lot of people considered Jerome a bad boy, and to an extent maybe he was. He did like to drive his cars fast and liked to cause trouble, things like showing up late for team flights. Buddy Ryan had a strict rule that on a road trip all team members had to wear a jacket and tie, most of the time, jerome had to borrow a tie from a teammate just so buddy would let him on the flight. He never seemed to take anything seriously, but no one could stay mad at him. Jerome would flash his grin, or say something funny and it always eased the tension and made everyone smile or laugh. He was like a big overgrown kid that would get on your nerves, but also makes you smile.

Despite his outward image, Jerome was a very giving person. Without fanfare or publicity, he was always willing contribute when someone needed help. Everything from helping out families with medical bills, to buying his high school football team new uniforms. He participated in charity events to raise money for less fortunate people, to just hanging out with kids that needed some direction.Jerome also helped out once by renting two Greyhound buses to take 70 youngsters to a football clinic before the superbowl in Tampa after the school district that was supposed to supply transportation backed out at the last minute. He did all this because he enjoyed it, not to promote his image or make himself a hero.

1989 was a very good year for Jerome, he finished the season with 10.5 sacks playing for one of the best defenses ever.The team finished second in the division with an 11-5 record and lost in the wildcard playoff game,21-7, to the Los Angeles Rams.

1990 was not Jeromes best year, he recorded only one sack. The team once again made the playoffs only to lose in the wildcard game, 20-6, to the Washington Redskins. Brown was voted to his first pro-bowl after this season, after being slighted the year before. Buddy Ryan was also let go as coach of the Eagles after the 1990 season. Jerome recieved a lot of criticism after this season, from both the media and the team owner, for being out of shape and not performing during the previous season. He returned to Brooksville and rededicated himself by building a gym in his house and getting in better shape for the next season.

The off season workouts paid off for Jerome in 1991. he returned to his old form and recorded nine sacks for the year, and was chosen for his second consecutive probowl appearence. Under new coach Rich Kotite, the Eagles failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1987.

After the season, Jerome returned home again. A great story that tells a lot about Jerome happened in his home town. The Ku Klux Klan was having a rally in town one day. Jerome decided not to stand for this, and ruined their rally by pulling up next to them in his Bronco with the huge speakers and blasted rap music during their speeches. Needless to say, Jerome won this battle. The summer of 1992 also was the year that he organized the first annual Jerome Brown football clinic for the kids in Brooksville. He was joined by many of his team-mates, including Reggie White, Seth Joyner, Randall Cunningham, and many others. Jerome once again was giving back to the Community.

I will never forget June 25, 1992. During that time, I was working at a job where I spent a lot of time on the road.I always had WIP on the radio and was looking forward to the Eagles football season coming up soon. Howard Eskin was the announcer and said he was waiting for details but there is a report that Jerome brown was involved in a car accident in Florida. My thoughts were that I hope he wasn’t hurt and would be ready to play when the season started, This was Jerome Brown, I figured I’d see him on the news that night Joking around and wondering why everyone was making a big deal out of a little car accident. A few minutes later, Eskin came back on and announced that Jerome Brown, along with his nephew Gus, was killed in the car accident. I had to pull off the road and sat in a parking lot for over 30 minutes, waiting for Howard to say he made a mistake. Unfortunately, all he could do was confirm the tragic news. On that day, the Eagles did not just lose a great player, We all lost a great man, a hero, and (even though most of us didn’t know him personally) someone we considered a friend. This was truly the most tragic day in Eagles history.

Jerome was buried in his hometown of Brooksville. As a tribute to Jerome, all the Eagles players passed by,took off their ties and placed them on the casket.

September 6, 1992 was the season opener for the Eagles. The game was a sellout, but I don’t think any of us there really cared about the game. We were there to Honor Jerome. In a very touching ceremony before the game, Jeromes parents were presented with a framed #99 jersey. There was a moment of silence for Jerome and Gus. I have never heard the Vet that quiet,the only sounds were a few muffled sobs which echoed throughout the stadium. Then there was a tremendous cheer when Seth Joyner announced that no one would ever wear #99 for the eagles again. The Eagles did win that game,15-13 against the Saints.

Jerome passed on, after all too short a time with us, over a decade ago. His memory will never die. His football camp for kids continued every year, and on may 20, 2000,The Jerome Brown Community Center opened in Brooksville. I am sure Jerome is looking down and smiling about what he started.

Special thanks to Cheryl,Eaglegram,GoLong,Brkmsn,Sean_sec227,Demps,Jerome99rip,and Moloko9 for all their help in providing research links and pictures for this page.

Illustration by Jerry Thierolf of jtillustrations.com

FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST…

The Price ‘GOD” Paid for Our Souls…

Many Christians deter from the doctrines of the bible. When such magnanimous words appear like Theology, Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, and Eschatology they run for the border. Surely, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” is all believers needs. Why the need for such overweight doctrine anyway? For one, by definition, It is what the bible teaches us and that is truly what’s relevant for growing Christians. To know Him is one thing, but to appreciate all that your life is in Christ is vastly different. God instructs us to know what he has revealed about church, heaven, hell, angels, marriage, family amongst a host of other things. This is where the WORD becomes relevant. Don’t be frightened off by the words you don’t know. Simply ask God for clarity and understanding,. Besides, they are only formal terms to what the Bible teaches us about GOD which is (Theology), Holy Spirit(pneumatology), Christ(Christology), Man(Anthropology), Salvation(soteriology), and the future(eschatology).

The finished work of Christ is an area of doctrine which is misunderstood by many Christians. It falls under the category of Soteriology, which is Salvation. Salvation for all mankind is free, yet can be costly. It is a gift to anyone who believes and confesses that God is the personal Savior thru Christ Jesus. It is costly due to the Sacrifice of the Son of God, which in this case is referred to as the finished work of Christ. This is surely where the judgment of God against our sins was endured by Christ, who became our substitute in order to become the Savior. Jesus was not the Savior until he was crucified on the cross!

The New Testament describes three key words to the finished work of Christ.

• Propitiation = to satisfy wrath by sacrifice; It was used by some when they spoke of appeasing their God or to obtain favor. God needs no appeasing for sure. God is simply Love and desires fellowship with man and he is also Holy and righteous. That being the case our sins can’t just be ignored and swept under a rug..God has wrath directed towards sin, which is Death!!! According to the law. God’s wrath and judgment against sin must be settled and the barrier of mans’ sin taken away before the free benefits of salvation can be offered to man. This is where Christ propitiation of God against sin, he not only died for mans sin, but he propitiated God’s wrath against sin.
  

• Redemption = in Greek is “Redeem” which is reference to slavery, and together gives us the concept of redemption. In relation to salvation, redemption refers to the work of Christ in setting us free from the bondage of slavery to sin with all its awful connections and consequences. We have been placed as sons in the family of God. We must not forget the cost of our redemption was high and the ransom price was the precious blood of Jesus Christ…What Grace!! Have you taken the time to thank the Lord for the price he was willing to pay out for you?
  

• Reconciliation= which means to reconcile. In Greek “to change completely. In salvation, it simply is reconciliation by which God bring man in to a complete changed relationship with himself. From enmity and hostility, alienation to friendship, and harmony to fellowship. It’s a one _ way act of God towards man without the agreed concession between the two. There’s no give and take as in a marriage arrangement. We are the ones needing the change, not GOD. A great illustration of this is in the book of Luke15, where the lost son is welcomed back into the fold with open arms. Read it!!
  

In Summary, Reconciliation completes the three-fold view of the finished work of Christ. Propitiation, which deals with the wrath of God, is the “God-ward” aspect of the work. Redemption is concerned with our enslavement and entrapment by sin, and is thus the “sin-ward” aspect of Christ’s work. Now reconciliation is the “man-ward” aspect of the finished work of Christ because it directly relates to our fellowship with God.

~ Blessings

    MOTIVATIONAL VITAMIN:

If only . . .

If only I could win the lottery. If only I could get a new job. If only I could find a husband. If only I could get new carpet. If only I could save some money. If only I could lose some weight. If only my bills were paid. If only my family would understand.

Life is full of “if onlys”. They greet us each day, and tuck us into bed at night. They flavor every decision we make. They fill us with regret and frustration. Worst of all, they completely mislead us and give us permission to NOT live up to our potential.

“If only” is a great excuse, especially if it’s something totally out of your control. “If only the economy wasn’t so bad.” There’s not much we can do about that one, and so it’s easy to blame for all our problems.

“If only” keeps us out of life. “If only I had a better dress to wear, I could go to the party.” Right, Cinderella? “If only” keeps us waiting on the sidelines of life.

Do you want to ever get anywhere in life? Then forget about “if only”. Stop making excuses and start making progress. Is there something that’s holding you back? Then get it out of your way.

Anthony Robbins has a great technique for getting past stumbling blocks such as “if only.” He says to “put it behind you” — literally! If there’s something that’s holding you back, then take it and look at it in your mind. See it manifest itself in your mind’s eye. Then start to make it smaller. Shrink it more and more and notice that you start to feel better about it. Then imagine that you’re driving your car on the Interstate highway, and you drop this stumbling block out the window. As you whiz past, look out the car window and you’ll see your stumbling block laying there on the road. Next, imagine yourself speeding away from it. It gets smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. Now imagine that it is five miles behind you. As you get farther away from it, it becomes less and less significant.

You are literally, and powerfully, “putting it out of your mind.” You’re freeing yourself from the hold of “if only” and allowing yourself to transcend your limitations.

Blessings,

~ Ralph Marston

VITA QUOTES:

” The depth of your convictions and the strength of your beliefs determine the power of your personality.”

” The game of life is a lot like football; You must tackle your problems, block out your fears, make xtra points and score whenever the opportunity present itself.”

“A good attitude is infectious and contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others, you be the carrier.”

VITA VOCAB:

Homogenous = all of the same or similar kind of nature ;

Magniloquent = ostentatious in style or to be priggish in speech;

Garrulous= to be full of trivial conversation or someone who talks too much;