Okiro

“How I used to street perform on Friday
And how I used to go to church on Easter Sunday
Instead of y’all throwing them stones at me
Somebody pray for me“

Met up with a friend who spontaneously called me up. Talk eventually turned to religion/Christianity, as most conversations these days are inclined to do. My friend felt judged to a certain extent because he was currently residing in an area that did not have a church that he was interested in attending, therefore he did not attend. Brought up self-righteousness issues. It just got me thinking about some things.

I really value the education I’m getting right now. If nothing else, coming away with a much higher view of God, and a much lower view of man (aaand of men? Just. Kidding.). Distinct yet inseparable truths. No longer do horrible, gruesome stories shock me. There’s still that visceral, almost punch-in-stomach, reaction, but rather than I can’t believe that happened it’s more like well what did you think totally depraved meant. Not that I ascribe to disillusionment. Or at least one that debilitates and leads to hopelessness. Debunking the commonly held belief that “most” people are generally good. No, people are generally bad. They do bad things for bad reasons and good things for bad reasons. Yet in the already we can be freed from slavery to sin. We profess faith in the One who gives us incredible hope. And that’s not a Sunday School answer, because it’s something I, and so many better, have tested and tried and found to be true. In the darkest moments he brings light. And. Whether you’re premillenial, postmillenial, or amillenial, the fact is that Jesus Christ is going to RETURN.

Back to total depravity and R. Kelly. I don’t recall thinking much about his child pornography charges. Though I am far from being a proponent of either child porn or porn in general. My only contention against him was his song ignition. Didn’t like it. So no real bones worth picking. But then I heard that song on the radio the other day. And it’s true, if he visited most churches, I’d wager to say that a lot of people would indeed be casting imaginary stones. That is sad. I’m not just saying it; that is completely, truly, heart-breakingly, heart-achingly, sad. But I would also wager to say that there are churches that would receive him with open arms and look past the garbage and junk, and see a man who has a profound need for Jesus in his life, just as much as any of them, and respond in love. I believe in the church; it’s part of our creed. And it’s in the church that people are going to be transformed and renewed unto his image. So hearing him say/rap/whatever those last two lines, I was like dang, there are so many people who don’t have anyone praying for them, don’t have anyone who cares a rat’s behind about them whether they live or die. I’ve said it before: if my heart keeps breaking, it ‘s because it doesn’t stay broken. I’m thankful for time here but. Getting a little little bit impatient of just thinking and talking; want to get out there and be part of the doing and serving. Restless. Oh well still more to learn. And everything in its time.

And Robert Sylvester Kelly I’m going to be praying for you.